Stellenbosch hoping for more goals against Gallants

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker has warned his players against complacency as they prepare to lock horns with Marumo Gallants at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals on Wednesday, October 29.

Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

Current form:

The Maroons have built up a head of steam this month after making a stuttering start to the season, which saw them win just one of their opening nine games in the Betway Premiership.

Barker's side ended a six-match winless run in all competitions with a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the CKO round of 16, and they beat 15 de Agosto 4-1 on Sunday to advance to the Caf Confederation Cup group stages.

Stellies also came out on top in a seven-goal thriller against Golden Arrows (a 4-3 win) in the league four days earlier, and Barker hopes their scoring woes are over now.

The Cape Winelands outfit found the back of the net just four times in 14 outings since they defeated AmaZulu 3-2 in the MTN quarterfinals, but they've now scored eight goals in their last two games.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa stunned Mamelodi Sundowns in the previous round after running out surprise 1-0 victors, and they followed it up with a 2-1 success against Chippa United in the league on October 19.

Their shock elimination of the Brazilians arrested a worrying run of seven matches without a win in the top flight for Alexandre Lafitte's side, who had at least drawn four of those.

What was said:

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker

"It's just really about perseverance and trusting and continuing to do the things that we always do. The confidence we got from midweek carried into today, and hopefully it can carry on through to Wednesday, and our next two very big, important league matches before the Fifa break.

"Hopefully the floodgates have opened a little bit, but we can't become complacent. We've got to keep working on the final-third box entries and on the quality of the pass, cross, or shot. We did have a barren spell, but hopefully that's now a thing of the past."

Players to watch:

Marumo Gallants - Eroine Agnikoi finally made his debut against the Chilli Boys after joining Gallants on a free transfer last month and he walked away with the man-of-the-match award thanks to his dramatic stoppage-time winner. The Ivorian defender will have his work cut out for him against Stellies, who are brimming with confidence after seeing it rain with goals over the last week.

Stellenbosch - Andre de Jong is hoping to kick on now after scoring three goals in his last two appearances. The New Zealand attacking midfielder had gone 14 games without a goal in all competitions this season before getting off the mark with a brace against Gallants in the league. He has emerged as an important player for Barker's side after contributing eight goals and five assists last term.

Head-to-Head: (Last Five Matches)