Stellenbosch FC Reserves coach Evangelos Vellios is looking forward to a tough encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns when the two sides meet in the DStv Diski Challenge this weekend.

The Young Maroons have returned to Pretoria where they are set to face Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday morning, with the highly-anticipated fixture scheduled to kick off at 10h00.

Stellies enter the encounter on the back of an impressive result in Gauteng last weekend which saw them temporarily reach the top of the table after defeating SuperSport United, and Vellios is optimistic about his side’s position.

“I am very happy with the results from last week, playing against Supersport [United] is always a tough game,” he said.

“They run a really good programme there, so over the years it’s always been a great game, but we played very well and with good calibre and mentality. I am really proud of them [the team].”

Saturday’s outing will see second-placed Stellies take on third-place Sundowns in a clash that could potentially have far-reaching ramifications on the log table come the end of the season.

“Sundowns is a very strong team, they are having a good season,” Vellios added. “We expect it to be a tough game.

“We have to be prepared to use our moments wisely and when we don’t we will have to defend well. The boys are in a good space, the mood is great and there is a good team spirit. We are really looking forward to the game.”