Siwelele pile on the misery for Stellenbosch FC

Stellenbosch FC are in the midst of a genuine crisis after the winelands club plunged further into the relegation zone on Wednesday evening at Athlone Stadium.

Steve Barker’s side were hoping to bounce back in the Betway Premiership at home after their 2-0 reversal to TS Galaxy over the weekend, but instead slumped to another 2-0 defeat to Siwelele to remain second last on the table - just two points above basement dwellers Chippa United. 

Stellies have managed just nine points from 12 matches, winning just two, drawing three and losing seven matches already. It is already one more than the half dozen they lost throughout the entire last season. 

The Maroons got off to the worst possible start when Siwelele's Tebogo Potsane capitalised on a defensive error by the home team to punish Stellies within the first three minutes with the opening goal.

Devin Titus came close to celebrating his 150th appearance for the club with the equaliser, but Siwelele goalkeeper Ricardo Goss came to the visitors’ rescue. 

Barker would have hoped his half-time would motivate his players to level matters after the break, but instead it was Siwelele that came out storming. 

The Bloemfontein-based side doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when Potsane turned provider for Siviwe Magidigidi to coolly round Sage Stephens before slotting the ball into the empty Stellies net.

The introduction of Andre de Jong, who was recently called up to the New Zealand national team, and Amajita star Langelihle Phili was the last throw of the dice by Barker in search of some impetus upfront, but Siwelele's defence held firm to claim a crucial three points on the road.