Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt has highlighted a major concern as the Cape Winelands side prepares to face Kaizer Chiefs in a Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.
Having recorded just one win, two draws and as many defeats in their last five games across all competitions, the Maroons are enduring an uninspiring run of form. That has left them out of the CAF Confederation Cup, and they are 13th on the PSL table.
Hunt’s side has four points more than basement side Magesi FC, making them a relegation candidate. After being held to a 1-1 draw by Magesi on Wednesday, pressure mounted on Stellenbosch to pick up form.
They have set their eyes on tackling Chiefs in a league match on Tuesday. But before that, they visit Golden Arrows for a Nedbank Cup quarter-final date on Saturday.
However, there is more attention on the match against Amakhosi, a team they eliminated from the Carling Knockout and recently, the Nedbank Cup. Stellenbosch would be looking to cement their dominance over the Soweto giants this season. But their opponents could be up for revenge after humiliation in two Cup games.
WHAT IS THE ‘BIG BLOW’ HUNT IS CRYING ABOUT AHEAD OF THE CHIEFS GAME?
Striker Wonderboy Makhubu was red-carded against Magesi and will be suspended for the next two games. However, winger Faiz Abrahams is back from a loan stint in Israel and will be available for selection.
“It’s a huge blow [to lose Makhubu]. We’re really struggling up front, so it’s a huge blow, especially for the next two games. The Cup game [against Golden Arrows on Saturday] is a Cup game, but it’s a blow for the Chiefs game [next Tuesday],” said Hunt.
“He was so good against the Chiefs two or three weeks ago, so it’s a blow.
“We’ve had Faiz back for about two weeks now and don’t really have a wide player like him. I like him, I think he’s got huge upturn. He’s not really match fit and has been out for a long time, but he showed glimpses of his quality, and that’s what we’re about.” Meanwhile, Hunt is also sweating over the fitness of Tshegofatso Mabasa.
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