Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker believes Mamelodi Sundowns will make changes to their lineup for the second leg of the MTN8 semifinal, and Arthur Sales and captain Themba Zwane are likely to start after coming on as substitutes in the first leg.

Barker praised Sales’ performance and hinted at his potential inclusion in the starting XI. He also acknowledged Zwane’s importance to the team and suggested he could return to the starting lineup.

Sundowns were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Stellies in the first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday, with Fawaaz Basadien scoring the winning goal from a penalty. The result gives Stellies a slight advantage heading into the second leg.

“I do and it is difficult to predict,” said Barker after the game. 

“I think a player like Sales showed a little of bit of, the minutes that he had, of how good a player he is. “Obviously, sometimes you sort of blood new players in, especially foreign players who didn’t start and I think now that he had minutes, there is a strong possibility that he will start the game. I think Themba has always been the talisman of the team and it is possible that he will get to start.”  

Interestingly, Zwane and Sales were denied from close range by Stellies goalie Sage Stephens, who was named man of the match.  

Additionally, Teboho Mokoena’s dipping free kick rattled the crossbar as Sundowns came close to get a draw.  

“But I don’t want to think too far ahead,” Barker added. 

“I think I just need to saviour the win and get back to Cape Town on Thursday and rest up and start preparing and planning for the different type of scenarios that they may throw at us. 

“So, I do anticipate they will be one or two changes in the side.”   

Stellenbosch FC has strengthened their squad with the signing of striker Ashley Cupido from Cape Town Spurs. Cupido is a direct replacing to Iqraam Rayners, who joined Sundowns. Barker believes Cupido will be a valuable addition to the team, bringing in the goal-scoring ability. “It was key for us to try and find a replacement for Rayners and we felt that Ashley fitted the bill and a type of player that we believe will fit into our system really well,” explained Barker. 

“He has also shown that he can score goals. The same number of goals as Iqraam in the NFD and last season, a good return of goals for a team that was struggling. 

“I believe he is a goalscorer, he has a presence, he has pace, he has power, knows how to score. So, I think he will add depth and quality to our team.  

“As you could see, it was tough to play Bradley Mojela up top throughout the match and we didn’t have any other option on the bench. But I’m trusting and believe that Cupido will be available for the second leg.”