Stellenbosch vs Kaizer Chiefs – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Amakhosi have won seven of the last 10 clashes between these clubs. Chiefs have kept six straight clean sheets.

Stellenbosch Form

Stellies have lost six of their last 10 matches. They sit just above the relegation zone in the PSL and they’re bottom of their CAF Confederations Cup group. After three straight losses in November, they beat Otoho d’Oyo 1-0 in a CAF clash before scoring two late goals to win 2-1 at Orbit College. A 1-1 draw away at Singida Black Stars in Tanzania saw a 91^st minute goal conceded.

Their final match before the AFCON break was a poor 2-1 home PSL defeat to Polokwane City. With new coach Gavin Hunt in charge, they won 1-0 at Sekhukhune United to move out of the relegation zone. Two CAF losses have followed though: 2-0 away to Belouizdad and 3-0 at home to Algerian giants despite a 17-8 shot count.

Stellenbosch Team News

Stellenbosch have allowed Thabo Khiba and Lesiba Nku to depart the club. Thabo Maloisane returns from domestic suspension in defence for this match.

January signings Wonderboy Makhuba and Tshegofatso Mabasa are set to play as a front two. Mosa Lebusa and Asekho Tiwani are fit to start in the back four after their arrivals from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Stellenbosch Motivation

Stellenbosch’s main focus is on PSL survival. They will hope to progress in this cup, but it’s not a top priority for coach Gavin Hunt.

A direct approach is expected for this match. Stellies could look to get early crosses into the box for their physical front two.

Kaizer Chiefs Form

Chiefs have lost just once in their last 17 matches in all competitions. After successive league wins, they lost 2-1 away to Al Masry in the CAF Confederations Cup. A 1-1 home draw vs Zamalek preceded two league draws as they drew 0-0 at both Chippa United and TS Galaxy.

Amakhosi resumed the season after the AFCON hiatus with a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows. They scored early and defended solidly to win 1-0 away vs Zesco United in Zambia. After a narrow 1-0 win at Marumo Gallants in the PSL, they beat Zesco 1-0 at home on Sunday.

Kaizer Chiefs Team News

Coach Cedric Kaze is without Etiosa Ighodaro in attack and both Thabo Cele and George Matlou in midfield. Bradley Cross is injured at left back for this match.

Mduduzi Shabalala is set to return to the XI in the number ten role. Aden McCarthy could again deputise at left back in preference to Paseka Mako.

Kaizer Chiefs Motivation

Chiefs ended a decade-long trophy drought by winning this competition in May. They will want to progress from this tie in pursuit of defending their Nedbank Cup crown.

Co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef tend to focus on clean sheets first and foremost. They won’t play an open, attacking game.

Key Stats

• Stellenbosch have lost 7 of their last 10 matches vs Chiefs
• Stellenbosch have lost 6 of their last 10 matches in all competitions
• Chiefs have won 1-0 in their last 4 matches
• Kaizer Chiefs have kept 6 clean sheets in a row

Verdict

Stellenbosch have lost 7 of their last 10 matches vs Chiefs

Stellenbosch have lost 6 of their last 10 matches in all competitions

Chiefs have won 1-0 in their last 4 matches

Kaizer Chiefs have kept 6 clean sheets in a row