Stellenbosch concluded a challenging week in Johannesburg with a 3-1 loss to the league leaders, as Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, and Siyabonga Mabena found the net to overturn Devin Titus’ early goal.

Expressing his frustration, Barker pointed to the absence of several key players due to injury and suspension, as well as his team’s difficulties in dealing with Sundowns’ set-piece situations.
However, Barker also commended the dedication of his young starting team.

Despite recent disappointments, Barker expressed optimism about having a fuller squad available for upcoming matches, emphasizing that his team would be giving their all in the second quarter of the campaign.

“It’s been a tough two encounters [against Pirates and Sundowns this week] so it’s important to rest and re-energise,” he added. “Our suspensions are over now, and hopefully the injured players will be back by the next match which is a big one against TS Galaxy at home.

“I think in Q2, the next seven matches of the season, will be defining for us. They are games that we have to make sure we’re getting maximum points from as often as we can.”

“Coming into the match, we knew it would be a very challenging task for us,” Barker said during his post-match press conference.

“Sundowns are obviously the benchmark for South African football and one of the best teams on the continent, and having gone unbeaten in their previous 31 games, we knew they would be up to the task of breaking the record [for the longest unbeaten run in the Premiership].

“We were also depleted with three of our starting defenders either injured [Deano van Rooyen and Fawaaz Basadien] or suspended [Ismael Toure], and then Jayden Adams, another key player suspended from the Orlando Pirates game, and Iqraam Rayners also injured.

“The positive side is that their absence gives other players opportunities and when you see players like Kyle Jurgens and Qobolwakhe Sibande play two games against Pirates and Sundowns and apply themselves, it’s good for their development but it doesn’t make our task easier.

Despite falling behind early in the match, goals from Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, and Siyabonga Mabena proved sufficient to reverse the deficit and maintain Bafana Ba Style’s perfect record in domestic league fixtures this season.

In the wake of their weekend triumph over Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 competition, Mokwena executed a strategic rotation of his squad. He later commended the substituted players for their commendable performances, which greatly contributed to the team’s triumphant outcome.

“It was a difficult game against a very good side, you know they are a team that can defend a 1-0,” Mokwena said after the match.

“I was a little bit unhappy about conceding because it’s something that we worked on, but we came back and we showed good character to come back and make it 1-1.”

“To go 2–1 up at halftime was a very good demonstration of the mentality of this group, and we kept playing, which is good because it’s not easy to keep playing against this Stellenbosh team, the are very well coached.”

“It was a good performance especially when you consider the number rotations, Reyaad Pieterse came in, [Bongani] Zungu, got good minutes & so did Mosa Lebusa. Lebo [Maboe] came in after a long long time out and did well. Thapelo Morena and Thapelo Maseko [did well] and it was good to see the young [Siyabonga] Mabena scoring.”

okwena’s team celebrated a remarkable achievement as they secured their 32nd consecutive unbeaten game in the league, establishing a new league record for the longest undefeated streak during the PSL era.

The Sundowns coach couldn’t contain his joy and expressed his immense pride in the club’s remarkable journey to reach this historic milestone.

“I’m very proud of the players, and the technical team. We’re very proud of our supporters, for staying for so long and singing and helping the players. We have a big sense of appreciation.
“And [congratulations to] everybody from senior management to backroom staff and everyone involved, it’s a big, big result against the only side to have beaten us so far.”

In the first leg, Deon Hotto’s injury-time winner proved crucial as it contributed significantly to the Buccaneers’ advancement to the MTN8 final on the away goals rule.

The 22nd-minute own goal by Zakhele Lepasa in the second leg gave Stellenbosch some hope, but Pirates managed to hold on to their spot in the final, which is set to take place on October 7th.

Right from the start of the game, Orlando Pirates displayed an aggressive approach, aiming to establish control of the ball. On the other hand, Stellenbosch adopted a more opportunistic strategy, particularly during counter-attacking situations.

Despite Pirates dominating possession, Stellenbosch managed to create a couple of significant scoring opportunities within the opening 20 minutes, largely credited to Iqraam Rayners.

Stellenbosch broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a corner situation. Pirates struggled to clear the ball from their area, and Rayners seized the opportunity, firing a shot that deflected off Lepasa inside the box, leaving the goalkeeper bewildered.

Deon Hotto came close to equalizing for Pirates just five minutes before halftime with a curling free-kick from the right side of the Stellenbosch area, but Sage Stephens made a crucial save. Nonetheless, Stellenbosch held a 1-0 lead going into halftime.

In the second half, Stellenbosch initially controlled possession but posed little threat going forward. Meanwhile, Pirates looked dangerous when attacking, with players like Hotto and Paseka Mako linking up effectively in the Stellenbosch half. However, Pirates struggled to convert their attacking opportunities and were let down by their finishing in the final third.

As the match reached the 75th-minute mark, the Buccaneers retained possession, while Stellenbosch resorted to counterattacks. In the 89th minute, second-half substitute Evidence Makgopa came close to equalizing for Pirates with a shot from the right side of the penalty box that forced Stephens into action.

Although Stellenbosch secured a 1-0 victory on the day, Orlando Pirates advanced to the MTN8 final with the advantage of two away goals, resulting in a 2-2 final aggregate score in their favour.

Mthethwa’s departure comes after an impressive 19-month stint with Stellenbosch, during which his dynamic performances not only made him a pivotal figure in the team’s dressing room but also endeared him to the club’s loyal fanbase.

The 29-year-old midfielder reflected on his time in the Cape Winelands and on the role the club played in his development as both a footballer and person.

“To leave a club that has been like a family to me, and to leave people behind who have been like brothers is not easy,” he said.

“It has been an honour to represent Stellenbosch and even though I was here for less than two years, I learned so much and grew so much as a man in that time.

“The support from the coaches and the staff, and the wise words and encouragement made it feel like a family, always united no matter what, and always backing each other on and off the field.

“That bond that I have with the team, the fans, and the whole community of Stellenbosch is deep, and leaving something like that behind is not an easy thing.

“Of course, I’m also happy for this opportunity. I’ve been working very hard for the name behind and for the badge in front and if it wasn’t for that hard work, I wouldn’t have earned this move.

“Now people know the name, but I wouldn’t be achieving what I am achieving were it not for Stellenbosch. The things I have achieved, getting a Bafana Bafana call-up, it all started here.

“I’ve always been the person I am, but Stellenbosch added more to me, and the trust the coaches had in me, and the trust to allow me to play with freedom, is what made me the Ox people see right now.

“All in all, I just want to say thank you to everyone at Stellenbosch FC for the opportunity, for guiding me, for being there for me in difficult times, and for being there for my family…”

Mthethwa’s charisma, leadership, and community involvement, as well as his reciprocal affection for the matchday crowd, saw him enjoy a unique adulation from the club’s supporters, and he was quick to pay tribute to the Stellies faithful.

“This is not the end of the road, we are still going to meet again in the future, you never know,” he says.

“But for now, I want to say thank you to the fans for their support. When I entered that field, I knew they were there, and it gave me that spirit, that encouragement, and that belief to succeed.

“Those people were there to support me so I had to make sure that if I had to die on that field, I would die there, if I had to do anything, I had to do it without hesitation because I knew they were behind me.

“Whether it was raining or sunny, they were always there with a smile, singing those songs and that, I will never, ever forget. I will never forget it…”

The match holds the key to securing a spot in the final for the Buccaneers, who gained a slight advantage in the away leg earlier this month.

The decider promises to be a thrilling contest as the Soweto Giants aim to further enrich their trophy cabinet, while Stellenbosch, continues their quest for their inaugural piece of silverware in top-tier competition.

For the visitors, not only a spot in the final is on the line but also the opportunity to break free from their recent slump in form that has plagued them since mid-August.

The Maroons have endured a tough period, going winless in five games, suffering four defeats, and managing just one draw, all while scoring only twice and conceding eight goals.

Their most recent setback occurred in a midweek league fixture against Swallows, where they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat despite playing a portion of the match with a numerical disadvantage.

Stellenbosch is now tasked with a must-win encounter against the defending champions, who are determined to regain their winning touch. The Buccaneers themselves suffered a recent defeat at home, falling 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns, marking their first loss at Orlando Stadium since February.

This loss followed their CAF Champions League defeat to Jwaneng Galaxy, ending a seven-game unbeaten streak across various competitions.

While a draw on Sunday would secure a spot in the final for Pirates, they are motivated to claim their fourth consecutive cup victory on home turf since the start of the season.

Bucs coach Jose Riveiro can count on the services of midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension for yellow-card accumulation and could feature in the matchday squad.

Stellenbosch has received a boost as well, with defender Thabo Moloisane returning from suspension after being red-carded in the first leg. However, Ismael Toure will be absent after his red card in Tuesday’s league clash against Swallows.

Zakhele Lepasa, currently the leading goal scorer in the competition, will be eager to find the back of the net once more on Sunday. Known for his excellent positioning and spatial awareness, the Pirates striker has a knack for appearing in the right place at the right time and possesses the ability to create scoring opportunities seemingly out of thin air.

Crucial for the visitors’ chances will be keeping the Buccaneers from scoring, and Sage Stephens, their goalkeeper, will once again play a pivotal role. The 32-year-old displayed fine shot-stopping skills in the opening leg, thwarting Pirates’ attempts to find the net.

Stellenbosch is set to face the Buccaneers at Orlando Stadium in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals, determined to overturn a 2-1 deficit from their initial encounter in Stellenbosch earlier this month.

While Stellie enters this match facing challenges such recent form and the absence of midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa, coupled with the unavailability of Ismaël Touré due to a red card in last week’s league defeat against Moroka Swallows, Barker remains undeterred.

He is resolute in his team’s anticipation of Sunday’s clash against the reigning champions and is committed to giving their more-favored opponents a formidable challenge on the day.

“What do they say? A wounded animal is most dangerous at times,” Barker told the media.

“It’s over now and there’s nothing we can do, so it’s important that we remain positive and look forward to a fantastic opportunity. It’s not every year that you are in a semi-final of a major competition, so we are positive and looking forward to that.

“Now they will be saying, ‘They haven’t got Ox and Touré is on a red card and not available, and there is this injury and that injury.’

“Yeah, we know that it’s not going to be an easy task but sometimes when you have your back against the wall, you are dangerous, and we have absolutely nothing to lose.

“We know that we have to score two goals… We want to score two goals to keep ourselves in the tie, and the game doesn’t even change if they score first, because we still need to score twice. If it ends 2-1 and goes to extra-time [a penalty shoot-out] we would take it.

The 29-year-old, who joined from Stellenbosch, has signed a three-year deal with Chiefs until June 2026.

“We warmly welcome Sibongiseni Mthethwa to the team,” says Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr.

“We know he’s a good player with great experience under his belt. We believe that he will hit the ground running and contribute straight away, knowing fully well what is expected of every player that dons the Gold & Black jersey of Amakhosi.

“We look forward to many great performances in the next coming seasons. We would like, once again, to thank Stellenbosch for their professionalism during our negotiations, and we look forward to the continuation of our working well together.”

The 29-year-old joined Stellenbosch from Black Leopards in January 2022 and has been linked with Amakhosi since the beginning of the season.

“When Mthethwa initially joined the club, a buy-out clause was negotiated into his contract and that has now been activated by Kaizer Chiefs,” Stellenbosch, CEO Rob Benadie said.

“It’s always sad to part ways with a player and person of Ox’s calibre but we would like to wish him all of the best in this next step of his career.

“He was a consummate professional throughout his time in Stellenbosch and it goes without saying that his influence on the pitch and in the dressing room will be missed.

“Apart from his on-field contributions, he also played an active role in our communities and must be commended for the enthusiastic manner in which he embraced the SFC family and supporters.

“Mthethwa embodied the values of the club, and we would like to thank him for his immense contributions to our cause over the last two years.”

The opening stages of the match saw most of the action taking place in Orlando Pirates’ half, but neither team created goal scoring chances in the first ten minutes.

The game became end-to-end but without many clear-cut opportunities for either side in the first fifteen minutes.

The visitors gained control of the ball as the first half progressed, with Stellenbosch sitting back to absorb pressure.

Stellenbosch was reduced to 10 men after 32 minutes when Thabo Moloisane was sent off following a rough challenge on Patrick Maswanganyi.

Despite being under pressure for most of the half, Stellenbosch managed to take the lead just before halftime with a looping header by Ismael Toure from a corner.

In the second half, Orlando Pirates continued to dominate possession and apply pressure, searching for an equalizer. They managed to draw level in the 65th minute when Zakhele Lepasa scored with a glancing header.

Stellenbosch, despite being a man down, did not shy away from attacking and created some goal-scoring opportunities.

The match was tightly contested, with both teams working hard to find a winner. Orlando Pirates finally secured the victory in the 94th minute when Deon Hotto scored a header following a good passing move, earning his team a 2-1 win in Cape Town.

The Buccaneers take on Stellies in the MTN8, semi-final, first leg om Sunday, 3 September.

“We will approach the game with intention to win the first leg, that’s the way we want to do,” says the Spaniard.

“That’s the way we want to do it. Obviously, it’s more than 90 minutes and we will have an opportunity to consolidate our performance at Orlando Stadium.

“But we really want to perform in the right way, understanding that we have an opportunity and the capacity to do it. We are not going to speculate or think that we still have a chance to play a second leg.

“We want to give continuity to our performances in the league as well. Every time we go on the field, we do it with intention to win, that’s the intention for Sunday.”

Orlando Pirates opened the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch. Antonio van Wyk scored the only goal of the match three minutes before the interval.

“The fact that we couldn’t win a few weeks ago, it’s also an extra motivation,” adds Riveiro. “I think we played a good game [in the league] but not good enough to get the results that we were looking for.

And the [MTN8] draw gave us an opportunity to play them again soon and not to wait to play them in the second game in the league.

“We have an opportunity to go there and do better and get a good result which is winning. We are going there with intention to win the game, we are not looking for any specific result.”

By Zola Doda