Stellenbosch FC will host Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership match on Friday, looking to extend their recent dominance in the fixture. The game marks the 14th meeting between the two sides across all competitions.
Stellenbosch currently sit sixth in the Premier Soccer League with seven points from five games, recording two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their recent form reads DLWLW, and they have scored three goals while conceding four so far this season. They trail league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by nine points.
What is the historical record between the teams?
The head-to-head history heavily favors the home side. Stellenbosch have won four of the previous 13 encounters, while Sekhukhune United, known as Babina Noko, have claimed just two victories. A remarkable seven of the 13 meetings have ended in draws. Stellenbosch's control has been particularly strong lately; they are unbeaten in their last eight matches against Sekhukhune, a run dating back to a penalty shootout loss in the 2023 Nedbank Cup semi-finals. Last season, Stellenbosch achieved the league double over Sekhukhune for the first time, winning both home and away fixtures. They also eliminated Sekhukhune in the MTN8 semi-finals. Orbit College was the only other team Stellenbosch managed to beat twice in the league last term.
Which players have shaped this fixture?
Individual performances have left a clear mark. Sekhukhune striker Chibuike Ohizu is the leading goalscorer in this fixture with four goals against Stellenbosch. Only four players in history have scored more goals against the Winelands club. For Stellenbosch, Chumani Butsaka and Kazie Enyinnaya lead their scoring charts in the fixture with two goals each. A unique piece of history belongs to Tshegofatso Mabasa, the only player to have scored for both sides. He netted for Sekhukhune in a September 2022 draw and later scored the winner for Stellenbosch in a 1-0 victory in January, which was also Gavin Hunt's first match in charge. Sekhukhune's squad includes former Stellenbosch players Nyiko Mobbie, Thato Khiba, and Lehlogonolo Mojela, adding a personal edge to the contest.
What is the current context for Stellenbosch?
Stellenbosch will look to build on a solid defensive performance last time out. Captain and goalkeeper Sage Stephens kept his first clean sheet of the season in a goalless draw against Durban City. That match also saw Given Msimango make his competitive debut for the club, becoming the 177th player to represent Stellenbosch FC. The team will be eager to convert their historical advantage into three more points to climb the standings. Fans can view the full squad details on the club's squad page.
Friday's match is the second time the teams have met on September 11th, having drawn 1-1 on the same date in 2021. With the fixture's history of tight contests and numerous draws, another close battle is anticipated. Stellenbosch's next assignment after this will be another league fixture, details of which are available on the fixtures schedule.
