Second-placed Stellenbosch FC will welcome DStv Diski Challenge log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to Idas Valley on Sunday for a highly-anticipated top-of-the-table clash.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Stellies’ reserve team assistant coach Jason Rhoda shared his belief that the side has prepared well for the clash and will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s surprise defeat to Cape Town Spurs.

“We have done the business on the footballing side throughout the season, so now it is just the mental side,” Rhoda said.

“We need to put last week’s game behind us and make sure that we arrive this week. It is at home, in front of our people, so it is a big game for us.

Preparation has been good and the boys look revitalised after last week’s game. We see the opportunity ahead of us and we’re hoping for an improved performance.”

Sunday’s fixture is the latest in a competitive block of fixtures in the last stretch of the season, but Rhoda says the team are focussing on one match at a time and on building upon the foundations they have already laid.

“At this stage of the season, it’s important to ensure that the players recover and are healthy to be in contention for the next match,” he concludes.

“Maintaining freshness and having everyone ready for the next game is key. We are positive that we have a good squad of players so now it will come down to their self-belief.

“We are so close yet so far because there’s a lot of football to be played in the next seven matches, so it’s all about keeping the guys in the right mindset.”

The match between Stellenbosch FC reserves and Mamelodi Sundowns reserves, who are separated by just five points in the league standings, will kick off at 12h00 at the Idas Valley Stadium on Sunday.