STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 31: Thapelo Mokobodi of Marumo Gallants FC tries to stop Sanele Barns of Stellenbosch FC during the Betway Premiership match between Stellenbosch FC and Marumo Gallants FC at Cape Town Stadium on October 31, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Roger Sedres/Gallo Images),M
Stellenbosch FC extended their unbeaten run to five matches in the Betway Premiership with a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants on Thursday night.
Betway Premiership
Result: Stellenbosch FC 1-0 Marumo Gallants FC
Date: 31 October 2024
Venue: DHL Stadium
Stellies made three changes following their goalless draw against Richards Bay, as Sihle Nduli, Sanele Barns and Andre de Jong were recalled.
Gallants, meanwhile, changed half the team that drew with TS Galaxy, as Xolani Mlambo, Matome Mathiane, Thapelo Mokobodi and Thapelo Dhludhlu were brought in. Meanwhile, coach Dan Malesela was not on the bench.
Steve Barker’s charges showed more hunger in the early exchanges, as Nduli came close with a strike that missed narrowly wide.
As the hosts increased the tempo of their attacks, Nduli, midway into the first stanza, had a good opportunity after a cross by Fawaaz Basadien but he guided his header over the crossbar.
Dan Malesela’s charges struggled to get out of their own half, as the Cape Winelands side pinned them back for most periods and the visitors were relieved to head to the break with the game still deadlocked.
Barker’s men continued to have the upper hand from the break as around the hour-mark, Chumani Butsaka almost broke the deadlock with a strike in the box that was saved by goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Stellies showed attacking intentions with 18 minutes to go, as Genino Palace and Ibraheem Jabaar both came on for De Jong and Nduli for fresh legs.
The Maroons’ pressure finally paid off three minutes later after Thabo Moloisane broke the deadlock with a free header at the back post.
Siwelele Sa Marumo started to attack in numbers and were fortunate not to be punished four minutes before time after Devin Titus went clear on goal but his chip over Arubi, in a one-on-one, missed the gaping net just wide.
However, Stellies managed to hold on in the end and moved up to fourth in the standings, with the two set to meet on Sunday in the Carling Knockout.
Here’s how they line up:
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Moloisane, Jurgens, Basadien, Toure, Barns, Nduli, Titus, Butsaka, De Jong, Cupido
Subs: Masuluke, Jabaar, Mdaka, Ahmed, Palace, Onyango, Phili, Mini, Lekoloane
Marumo Gallants: 36. Arubi, 35. Sikhosana, 21. Mabotja, 25. Mathiane, 8.Mokobodi, 22. Msendami, 11. Dhludhlu, 4. Mlambo, 27. Shai, 10. Mphambaniso, 20. Khumalo
Subs: 1. Mlambo, 29. Nthatheni, 18. Chabatsane, 14. Nange, 15. Nemtajela, 76. Khumalo, 50. Nhlapo, 6. Mahlatsi, 26. Sithole
.