By Michael Madyira
Stellenbosch resume their push for a second trophy in the top-flight league when they host TS Galaxy in the MTN8 quarter-finals at Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.
After winning last season’s Carling Knockout, the Cape Winelands side registered themselves as a serious side vying for trophies.
They then went on to finish the Premier Soccer League title race in third position, earning themselves a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.
That could worry their opponents TS Galaxy, whose coach Sead Ramovic won plaudits last season for pushing for a top-four finish with a squad made up of average players.
“Stellenbosch are a very tough team with an amazing technical team, so that tells you that it will be a very tough match for us,” Ramovic told the media.
“This game will help us to see exactly where we are in terms of readiness going forward.”
Galaxy are starting life without retired veterans Bernard Parker and Vuyo Mere, while Lehlohonolo Mojela has joined their opponents Stellenbosch.
Pogiso Sanoka and goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari have joined SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs respectively.
The likes of Victor Letsoalo, Emmanuel Sieh and Siphesihle Maduna could make a debut for the Rockets.
Stellenboch coach Steve Barker is not reading much into that, though.
“We are very excited for the upcoming match on Sunday, the MTN8 quarter-final against TS Galaxy at home,” Barker told Stellenbosch media.
“To be able to play in the MTN8 you need to have a very consistent season and finfish in the top-eight the previous season of which we finished in a very good position as third.
“The reward for that is a home quarter-final match against a team that has come off a good season themselves.”
“Pre-season preparations have gone really well and our new players have fitted in nicely.”
The triumphant side on Sunday will join the winner of another MTN8 quarter-final showdown between Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United.
Pictured above: Stellenbosch FC in action against TS Galaxy
Source: Staellenbosch
