Stellies and Galaxy join MTN8 quest

Stellenbosch striker Rayners was one of the Premiership’s leading goalscorers last season, and Nurković, a former Kaizer Chiefs marksman, scored several goals which proved match winners in the past.

Rayners will be backed up by Stellies’ newbies Sanele Barns and ex-Galaxy star Lehlohonolo Mojela, who’s likely to start on the bench. In the midfield, Stellenbosch have their tried and tested soldiers such as Jayden Adams who ranks among the best in the league.

Nurković helped Galaxy to be a formidable side last season, and their participation in the top eight cup is a just reward for a solid showing. Following the departure of Pogiso Sanoka, Lehlohonolo Mojela, Fiacre Ntwari and Higo Vidal, the Rockets will look very different come tomorrow.

Defender Puso Dithejane was one of the key players for Galaxy last season and has been in fine form during pre-season. He’ll be expected to play a crucial role to keep their youthful opponents at bay.

Tomorrow’s clash is a repeat of the 2023 Carling Knockout final which Stellenbosch won on penalties in December 2023 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

This time Stellenbosch will enjoy home advantage. They enjoyed an incredible season in 2023/24, finishing in the top four of every competition they participated in.

Galaxy coach Sead Ramović is yet to win a game against Stellenbosch counterpart Steve Barker, drawing twice and losing the other five games in their seven meetings.

Galaxy have failed to beat Stellies in their last five meetings. Stellies have won four of the last five matches between the two sides while one clash ended in a draw.

At the pre-match presser this week, Ramović did not sound exactly confident, but his remarks might have been for the ears of Galaxy owner Tim Sukazi who has been striking it rich in the transfer market. Many of his players were sold to rival clubs.

“We finished sixth but we’ve sold some of our best players, so what expectations? We didn’t invest anything again, but we sold players,” said Ramović.

“If we can finish in the top eight again, that would be magical. We will try our best.”

The match is expected to be a tactical battle as Stellenbosch tries to apply a possession-based approach against Galaxy’s disciplined defensive structures. Stellenbosch are capable of controlling the tempo of the game and creating chances with their intricate short-passing game.

Galaxy, with their never-say-die attitude, will look to stay compact defensively and hit Stellenbosch on the break.