Stellenbosch Football Club (FC) drew 1-1 against Maritzburg United FC on 7 May at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
This result sees Stellenbosch FC move up to fifth place in the DStv Premiership log. Kaizer Chiefs currently occupy fourth place on the log, with Royal AM in third place.
Alfred Ndengane scored a penalty for Maritzburg United in the 62nd minute with Judas Moseamedi equalizing for the hosts five minutes later.
Maritzburg United Football Club player, Alfred Ndengane, scores the opening goal of the match for his team in the 62nd minute of the match. VIDEO: Liam Abercrombie
“It was a tough game. Maritzburg made it very uncomfortable for us by playing for set pieces, slowing the game down and not giving us the opportunity to use our quick transitions,” stated Sage Stephens, goalkeeper for Stellenbosch FC.
The Stellenbosch team responded well after Maritzburg United scored the first goal, said Stephens. “I think we defended very well, which always gives us a chance of winning, but if we convert our chances, we’re going to be a very difficult team to play against,” added Stephens.
Steve Barker, Stellenbosch FC head coach, was disappointed with the draw. “I thought we were the better side throughout the game,” stated Barker. “We created enough opportunities to win the game.”
“It was a tough game. Maritzburg [United Football Club] made it very uncomfortable for us by playing for set pieces, slowing the game down and not giving us the opportunity to use our quick transitions,” stated Sage Stephens, goalkeeper for Stellenbosch Football Club. PHOTO: Liam Abercrombie
Views of a Stellenbosch FC fan
“The guys performed very well, because they managed to overcome going 1-0 down,” according to Abonga Mneno, a local Stellenbosch FC fan who attended the match.
Stellenbosch FC is one of the developing teams in the league, stated Mneno. “I think the sports culture in Stellenbosch will switch more to soccer, as, in the past, it has mainly been about rugby and cricket,” he claimed.
Stellenbosch Football Club fans in support of their team against Maritzburg United Football Club at the Danie Craven Stadium this past Saturday. PHOTO: Liam Abercrombie
“Soccer is slowly kicking in now, and the more we play at home, the more the fans adapt to the team – I think Stellenbosch FC will excel,” explained Mneno.
Stellenbosch FC fans will be excited for the derby against Cape Town City FC coming up on 21 May, which will also be Stellenbosch FC’s last home game of the season, stated Mneno. This will ensure that the players are very motivated for the derby game, he added.