By Michael Madyira
Struggling Premier Soccer League outfit Richards Bay and Stellenbosch are bidding to get it right where traditional giants Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns failed this season.
It is an opportunity for the two sides to claim their first-ever trophy in top-flight league football when they cross swords in the Carling Knockout semi-finals on Saturday.
The two sides clash at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium as they both seek to make history.
With Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns out of the way, the Carling Knockout has become a tournament of the underdogs.
In 2023 alone, Stellebosch have reached the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 and they would be pushing to finally cross that line of the knockouts.
Agonisingly for them, in those last-four appearances they made, they lost via penalty shootouts and away goals rule.
“I think those experiences will have given us the knowledge of how to approach a third semi-final in such a short space of time,” Stellies coach Clive Barker told the club’s media department.
They are fourth on the PSL table after posting encouraging results in recent matches and that could spur them going into Saturday’s match.
“The team is in a good space with some good recent results,” Barker said.
“I trust that the confidence and belief we’ve had in those performances can be taken through to Saturday.
“But, we also understand it’s never an easy match in a semi-final and that form goes out the window in cup games.”
They face the Natal Rich Boyz who have been struggling in the PSL and are second from the bottom on the standings.
But their coach Kaitano Tembo believes Cup games are different from league assignments and is also banking on home advantage.
“We have that advantage of playing in front of our own fans and I think that has played a huge part in our progress,” said Tembo.
“At the same time, these are Cup games and they are tough. Credit should go to the players and fans who’ve been pushing the team.”
AmaZulu and TS Galaxy face off in the other semi-final showdown on Sunday.
Pictured above: Stellenbosch FC players celebrating
Image source: Stellenbosch FC
