Stellenbosch FC are gunning for Cup glory, but the Kaizer Chiefs jinx lurks

Cape Town’s iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadium will play host to the weekend’s marquee Carling Knockout first-round fixture between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday (kick-off at 3pm).

South Africa’s equivalent to the English Football League Cup promises to deliver an exciting spectacle as Stellenbosch, the 2023 champions, take on the record 13-time winning Chiefs.

Stellenbosch FC will draw on their remarkable triumph in 2023, when they claimed the championship by overcoming TS Galaxy in a dramatic penalty shootout. The Winelands outfit is eager to revive that victorious spirit as they prepare to contest a team that has historically posed a challenge.

Chiefs, currently on a mission to reclaim their former glory after more than a decade with only one tournament title, are poised to put their mettle to the test at the venue where they previously celebrated success.

In recent showdowns, the Chiefs have proven to be a bogey team for Stellenbosch, having beaten them in four consecutive encounters, including a 2-0 victory in the Betway Premiership opening match of this season. Sunday’s knockout format raises the stakes significantly, compelling Stellenbosch to overturn this trend if they wish to keep their title hopes alive.

However, both teams find themselves grappling with form issues, heightening the tension leading up to this vital encounter.

Stellenbosch’s recent performance resulted in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Chippa United, marking a challenging start to the season with only one victory out of nine matches, leaving them languishing in 14th place.

Head Coach Steve Barker reflected on the match, stating, “There is a little bit of a lack of confidence and lack of belief... but we just lacked the final finish that we need right now.”

Chiefs are going through a challenging period after being held to a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu midweek. Sitting fifth in the league and with only one win in their last five matches, the pressure mounts for the Chiefs to perform well in the cup.

Interim co-head coach Khalil Ben Youssef emphasised the need for improvement in the team’s attacking gameplay. “We have to work and keep going to find a solution,” he pointed out, stressing the importance of the match against Stellenbosch in solving their offensive issues.

Both teams are looking to overcome their recent setbacks, and key players are likely to play crucial roles. For Stellenbosch FC, the performance of New Zealand-born Andre de Jong will be vital as he seeks to break through the Chiefs’ defence.

Meanwhile, Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala, who scored against AmaZulu, enters the clash with boosted confidence and could exploit any gaps left by the Stellenbosch backline. As a key figure in Chiefs’ attack, Shabalala’s pace and skill can pose significant threats to the hosts.

This fixture marks the third competition for Chiefs in just eight days, following their CAF Confederation Cup matchup last Saturday and the midweek clash in the Betway Premiership. The demanding schedule underscores the intensity of the current season, showcasing the team’s commitment to competing on multiple fronts.

The rivalry between the two teams has developed significant mutual respect. Previous encounters show an interesting balance: the Chiefs have won ten of the 17 meetings across all competitions, while Stellenbosch has achieved three victories and four draws.

With history tilting in their favour, the Chiefs will aim to replicate their opening-season success against Stellenbosch, setting a heightened competitive tone for their rivalry.