Stellenbosch FC received a massive boost when five of their South African Under-23 players returned on time ahead of the match against Kaizer Chiefs.
Olwethu Makhanya, Jayden Adams, Antonio van Wyk start, Devin Titus and Athenkosi Mcaba were called up for the Under-23 Afcon qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville. All players returned in time for preparations against Chiefs Chiefs.
“With our five Under-23 players away with the national team, it was a little bit of a challenge in terms of numbers [at training],” said Stellies coach Steve Barker.
“It’s massive for us as a football club and for them as players to play for the national team. Hopefully that experience will keep maturing them as players.
“When we achieve the aim [of playing on the continent] they will have that experience. I’m proud of them and some of them got good minutes in both matches.
“We are keen to have them back and pleased that they were able to represent our country. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be this time but I’m still proud of what they’ve done.”
Kaizer Chiefs vs Stellenbosch Head-to-Head
09/10/2022 Stellenbosch FC 1 Kaizer Chiefs 3
28/8/2022 Stellenbosch FC 1 Kaizer Chiefs 1 (MTN8 quarterfinal, Chiefs win 4-3 on penalty shootouts)
23/4/2022 Stellenbosch FC 1 Kaizer Chiefs 0
02/11/2021 Kaizer Chiefs 0 Stellenbosch FC 1
06/4/2021 Kaizer Chiefs 2 Stellenbosch 2
23/01/2021 Stellenbosch FC 0 Kaizer Chiefs 0
23/08/2020 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Stellenbosch FC 1
27/11/2019 Stellenbosch FC 0 Kaizer Chiefs 4
10/03/2018 Kaizer Chiefs 2 Stellenbosch FC 1
11/03/2017 Stellenbosch FC 0 Kaizer Chiefs 3
Matches played 10
Stellenbosch FC wins: 2
Kaizer Chiefs wins 5
Draws: 3
Goals for Stellenbosch: 8
Goals for Kaizer Chiefs: 16