Stellenbosch Football Club (FC) extended their unbeaten run in the DSTV Premiership to 14 games after a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United. According to the current DSTV Premiership standings, this keeps them at second on the log and on track for a Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League spot.
Steve Barker, Stellenbosch Football Club head coach, stated his side created the better chances in their 0-0 draw with Sekhukhune United. Heavy winds plagued Saturday’s fixture, he hopes for better conditions in their league rematch on 17 April. PHOTO: Nic Gleeson
Fighting against the elements
According to Andre de Jong, Stellenbosch FC forward and man of the match, heavy winds made it a tough affair for both sides during the match on Saturday at the Danie Craven Stadium.
“Very, very difficult conditions today and I thought, first half, we managed the game quite well against the wind. And then [in the] second half we really piled on the pressure and [were] probably unfortunate not to get the win today,” said De Jong. “But credit to them, they stuck in and held us out there.”
Stellenbosch FC forward Andre De Jong with his man of the match award post-game. It was the New Zealand international’s first man of the match award in the PSL. PHOTO: Nic Gleeson
Sekhukhune United head coach Lehlohonolo Seema agreed, and said that he knew it was going to be difficult. “The weather didn’t make it easier for both teams,” he said.
“I think a draw is a fair result [for] the game […] we fought very hard against a very good team and we are happy with a point,” Seema added.
Steve Barker, head coach of Stellenbosch FC, said the team created better and bigger chances for a win than Sekhukhune United. “Their keeper made two big saves and it was going to probably be one of those type[s] of goals – a bit of a goalmouth scramble – to get something over the line which unfortunately didn’t [happen] for us,” said Barker.
There’s no edge
With both sides sharing the spoils, Stellenbosch remain five points clear of Sekhukhune, who dropped to fourth after Orlando Pirates defeated Golden Arrows 7-1 to go third. Nonetheless, Sekhukhune have a game in hand over Pirates and a chance to go ahead when they face Stellenbosch again on 17 April at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, according to the current DSTV Premiership standings.
Seema does not believe that his side will take a mental advantage into their upcoming rematch.
“No chance […] We are talking about the number two team at the moment in the country and this team has proven that it can collect points even away from home. So, there is no edge […] We have to try and make sure that we prepare very well,” he said.
Sekhukhune United played to a goalless draw against Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday, which saw the visitors drop to fourth on the DSTV Premiership log. PHOTO: Nic Gleeson
According to the CAF Champions League rules, the top two DSTV Premiership sides earn a spot at the continental tournament.
Barker is optimistic of his side’s chances to qualify. “We’ve got to keep trying to take it one game at a time but it is more and more becoming an opportunity […] I think we’ve got a lot to gain and nothing to lose, had a really good solid season and […] it’s just up to us now to be positive in the next run into the end of the league and just give it our best shot,” he said.
Stellenbosch will face Supersport United at home next weekend in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, before facing Sekhukhune again.