Petersen: Stellenbosch Again
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper and captain Brandon Petersen let out a heavy sigh after Amakhosi were drawn against Stellenbosch in the Nedbank Cup, jokingly saying: “Stellenbosch again.”
This will be the third meeting between the two sides in the space of a year. They last faced each other earlier this season in the Carling Knockout Round of 16, a match Stellenbosch won on penalties.
The two teams also met in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals last season, where Chiefs secured a 3-1 victory at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Amakhosi went on to lift South Africa’s version of the FA Cup by defeating Orlando Pirates in the final in Durban.
They will meet once more in this year’s Nedbank Cup, this time in the first round, with the PSL set to confirm the venues and dates in due course.
“Stellenbosch again – this is my third time drawing Stellenbosch in a cup competition,” Petersen reacted.
“I think it is always an exciting fixture. It’s a match that always draws a crowd, especially in Cape Town, where we also have our own supporters coming out to back us.
“So, it’s always something we look forward to. Playing against Stellenbosch is guaranteed to be an exciting night or afternoon of football.”
Ahead of the resumption of the season, changes have taken place at Stellenbosch. Long-serving coach Steve Barker has departed to join Tanzanian side Simba SC and has been replaced by Gavin Hunt, a coach Petersen knows well from their time together at Bidvest Wits.
Stellenbosch have also lost striker André de Jong to Orlando Pirates, while Bradley Mojela was released and has since joined Sekhukhune United.
These departures have added to Stellenbosch’s struggles this season, with the club currently sitting third from bottom on the Betway Premiership table.
Despite their league position, Petersen expects Stellenbosch to be highly motivated against Chiefs, as is often the case.
“Anyone who plays against Kaizer Chiefs comes with their A-game,” said Petersen.
“I think whoever steps onto the pitch for Stellenbosch on that day will want to show what they are capable of. Like I said, it’s always an exciting game because of the history between the two teams.
“I will never underestimate Stellenbosch. It doesn’t matter how many changes they are going through – we know for sure it will be a tough battle.”
Chiefs will resume their Betway Premiership campaign after the Africa Cup of Nations when they host Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening (19:30).
