Stellenbosch FC hammered Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 3-0 at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup encounter on Saturday afternoon.
Below are the talking points from this entertaining Confed Cup preliminary round first-leg tie in Durban.
STELLENBOSCH FC PLAYING THEIR FIRST-EVER CAF INTER-CLUB COMPETITION ENCOUNTER
This was Stellenbosch’s first-ever CAF inter-club competition clash and it was against Nsingizini Hotspurs in Durban.
According to Opta Jabu, the Cape Winelands side is the 22nd PSL representative club in CAF football.
WHY BOTH SIDES WILL THEIR GAMES IN DURBAN?
Nsingizini and Stellenbosch will play their games at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The Eswatini outfit was forced to host the first preliminary round first-leg tie at Moses Mabhida Stadium as their stadiums on their home soil are not accredited by CAF.
Meanwhile, ‘Stellies’ are also set to host the return leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium due to the rehabilitation of the playing surfaces at Danie Craven Stadium, as stated by the club. This comes after the damage caused to the pitch by a combination of the prevailing wet weather conditions and a strenuous rugby season.
On the other hand, Athlone Stadium and DHL Cape Town Stadium are not available to host their match due to scheduling conflicts.
STARTING LIFE WITHOUT IQRAAM RAYNERS AND DEANO VAN ROOYEN
‘Stellies’ began life without two of their key players, Iqraam Rayners and Deano van Rooyen.
The Bafana Bafana international Rayners recently joined Mamelodi Sundowns following his impressive displays last season, where he finished as the second leading goal-scorer in the SA elite league with 15 goals. However, Sundowns are yet to unveil him officially.
Former ‘Stellies’ captain van Rooyen has signed a three-year deal with Orlando Pirates. He is set to start his new chapter with the Buccaneers any time soon.
THE GOAL SCORES ON THE DAY
New Zealand-born forward Andre de Jong broke the deadlock in the 35th minute of the showdown. He scored the side’s first-ever goal in continental football.
Just three minutes before the interval, Stellenbosch added to the scoreline. The goal came through Devin Titus, who finished the last term on a high note.
In the 71st minute of the showpiece, Fawaaz Basadien scored the third goal from the penalty spot. This was after Bradley Mojela was brought down in the box.
The return leg will be played at the same venue next Saturday, 24 August 2024.
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