How extra preparation and new signings could change the game for Stellies against CR Belouizdad

STELLENBOSCH FC head into the return leg of their Caf Confederation Cup clash against CR Belouizdad with several factors working in their favour, despite a 2–0 defeat away from home that briefly stalled their group-stage momentum.

According to IOL Sport’s Obakeng Meletse, the loss on Sunday evening marked Stellies’ first setback of the campaign and leaves the Cape Winelands side second in the group standings, two points behind the Algerian outfit at the halfway stage. With qualification still firmly in their own hands, the focus has now shifted to what lies ahead rather than what went wrong.

Time to reset and refocus

A postponed domestic fixture has handed coach Gavin Hunt an unexpected opportunity to regroup. Stellenbosch were due to face Golden Arrows on Wednesday, but the clash has been delayed because of their continental schedule, giving the squad additional time to prepare for a return leg that could prove decisive.

Hunt believes the experience of facing Belouizdad away from home will ultimately benefit his relatively young squad.

“We wanted to see out the first 20 minutes to try and get a foothold in the game,” Hunt said during the post-match press conference.

“But the speed and pace of the game certainly caught us off guard. It was a difficult start, but I thought we grew into the game a little more. We are a young side competing against very experienced players.

“It was a great learning curve for us. The conditions were challenging and something we are not used to, but that’s how you learn in football. It was a big lesson for our team.”

Different conditions, different challenge

Hunt expects a very different contest when the two sides meet again, pointing to the change in match conditions as a possible leveller.

“The next match will be a completely different game,” he explained.

“It will be played in the afternoon, in very hot conditions, which may suit us. We’re not used to playing in those conditions either, so it will be a totally different challenge, but one we have to prepare for properly and take advantage of if we can.”

Stellenbosch will once again face a Belouizdad side led by Sead Ramovic. The former TS Galaxy coach’s familiarity with South African football adds intrigue to the encounter, but Hunt’s focus remains firmly on what his own team can control.

Squad reinforcements on the way

Another boost comes in the form of incoming reinforcements, with the transfer window still open. Stellies have already strengthened by bringing in Tshegofatso Mabasa from Orlando Pirates and experienced defender Mosa Lebusa.

Hunt confirmed that further additions are imminent, with several players from Mamelodi Sundowns already back in training and expected to bolster the squad ahead of the next match.

“We will have three or four players signed by then as well,” Hunt revealed.

“We are looking to strengthen our squad, and those players are back training and will definitely come into the team.

“The three or four players from Mamelodi Sundowns are back training and will add to the squad. We believe we will be a stronger and better team going forward.”

With lessons learned, extra preparation time, and a reinforced squad, Stellenbosch will approach the return leg confident that the balance of the contest is far from settled.