Stellies finally return home to give Kruger United a hostile Nedbank Cup reception

Herman Gibbs

Stellenbosch FC will be the toast of the Cape Winelands on Tuesday evening as they prepare to host Kruger United FC in a Round of 32 match in the 2025 Nedbank Cup competition.

Kick-off is set for 7pm at the Danie Craven Stadium, marking the first home game for Stellies in months.

Fans have been eagerly anticipating the chance to see their heroes in action following a remarkable season thus far. Stellenbosch recently made their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they have defied expectations by reaching the quarter-finals, overcoming several seasoned teams along the way.

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker expressed his excitement about returning to their home ground, emphasising the significance of the occasion on Monday evening.

"Yes, I am very excited firstly because we're playing at the Danie Craven Stadium. It's been a while since we've played here in front of our home friends, so we’re looking forward to that," Barker said.

Back where we belong tonight🫶 pic.twitter.com/y5cV0f3jFX

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) January 28, 2025

Barker reflected on the club's journey in the Nedbank Cup, having reached the semi-finals for the past two seasons, though falling short of making it to the final.

“Now we are determined and want to go one better this season, get into the final and win it,” he stated.

"It's a trophy that we would dearly want to be lifting at the end of the tournament. So, looking forward, but we know it's never easy. No team is easy to play against. Everybody's got the same ambition."

Special game

The coach is aware of the challenge ahead, particularly as Stellenbosch last played at home in August last year. He noted how special this game would be for the fans, stating, "It's our first home game since August last year.

“How special is that going to be? Yeah, I know, very special."

He added, "It's been a bit difficult and heartfelt for the fans, not being able to be at our games."

Barker is optimistic that supporters will turn out in large numbers to back the team on this momentous occasion.

"It's a special field for us, a special stadium, you know, in front of our special fans. We're hoping that the fans can come out in their numbers and get behind the team," he said.

Stellenbosch will face a Kruger United side that competes in the First Division, currently sitting mid-table. This will be their first foray into the Nedbank Cup, but they are coming off a disappointing 3-1 defeat against First Division rivals Pretoria Callies.

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch is fresh off a commanding 5-0 victory over AmaZulu in the Premiership, aiming to carry that momentum into the cup match.

Despite Kruger United's underdog status, Barker is wary of their potential to upset the odds.

"Kruger United is a second division side, potential banana peel on the one hand. I think we've developed over the years and become a team that goes out to win a couple of games against different types of opposition," he explained.

"It may be a First Division team, but history has shown that they are very difficult teams to play against."