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Stellenbosch Football Club

Matsheke aiming to help extend Stellies’ winning streak

Football - DStv Premiership 2023/24 - Stellenbosch FC v Richards Bay FC - Danie Craven Stadium - Stellenbosch

Darrel Matsheke is hoping Stellenbosch FC can make it five wins in a row across all competitions when the club takes on Chippa United this weekend.

The Maroons will be traveling to Gqeberha to take on Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday where they will be looking for a repeat of last month’s 2-1 Carling Knockout Round of 16 win over the Eastern Cape outfit.

Match report: Stellies record hard-fought win over Richards Bay

That victory was the second in a run of four straight wins for Steve Barker’s side who have since reached the semi-final of the cup competition and climbed to ninth in the DStv Premiership standings, with a match in hand over some of the teams above them in the league standings.

For midfielder Darrel Matsheke, who made his full debut for Stellies in the mid-week win over Richards Bay, the club’s up-turn in form has given the team confidence heading into the weekend’s clash against the Chilli Boys.

“It has given us confidence,” Matsheke said. “The mood is very high and we’re approaching it with a big-team mentality, with that winning mentality that is in the team. Everyone is fighting and working hard, and five wins in a row would be really nice.

“It is, of course, a different game because cup matches are different from league matches and they will probably make one or two changes to their team. But, for us, it’s all about focusing on what we’ve been doing these past few games and just working hard to continue where we left off.”

Barker hails Rayners’ return to goalscoring form

Matsheke, who arrived in the Cape Winelands on a free transfer at the start of the season, also revealed his pleasure at being with the club and making his long-awaited full debut earlier this week.

“It was a very nice feeling,” he said. “The supporters were very welcoming and the coach was very supportive, my teammates as well, and that definitely made it easier.

“The level of professionalism at the club has been really high and I like the way the team does things.