Free-scoring Stellies claim all three points against Royal AM
Stellenbosch FC enjoyed a memorable start to the Easter weekend at the Danie Craven Stadium after recording a 3-0 victory over Royal AM on Saturday.
On a sweltering day in Stellenbosch, where temperatures peaked at 37 degrees, Steve Barker’s side signaled their attacking intent from the onset when Fawaaz Basadien fired a long-range effort over the crossbar.
With just under half an hour played, the home side had a reward for their efforts when Devin Titus latched onto a perfectly weighted pass by Iqraam Rayners before firing home through the legs of opposition ‘keeper, Hugo Nyamé.
Fact file | Stellenbosch FC are currently on a club-record 18-match unbeaten streak across all competitions
Soon after, Royal AM captain Kabelo Mahlasela embarked on a mazy run beyond two Stellies defenders but could only fire his pass-cum-shot into the palms of Sage Stephens, who immediately launched a counter-attack up the other end.
Read | Young Maroons set to tackle Sundowns in top-of-the-table DDC clash
The ball made its way out wide to Titus whose whipped cross from the left flank found Andre de Jong in the box. The New Zealand international managed to squeeze a shot on target which Nyamé saved, only for Siphesihle Msomi to turn the ball into the back of his own net.
That was ultimately how it stayed for the remainder of the half as the Maroons headed into the break with a two-goal cushion to defend in the second stanza.
It was a case of more of the same in the second half for Stellies as Rayners marked his 50th DStv Premiership appearance for the club in typical fashion, adding his name to the scoresheet with just under an hour played on the clock.
Recap | Iqraam Rayners on target for Bafana Bafana in six-goal thriller
Substitute Antonio van Wyk was next to take aim and twice came inches away from scoring on his 22nd birthday, dragging two efforts narrowly wide after being played through on goal by Anicet Oura and Qobolwakhe Sibande.
Fact file | DDC captain Shaakir Ahmed made his professional debut for Stellenbosch FC during the encounter
Those near-misses, and a slew of half-chances that followed, ultimately had no impact on the outcome of the tie as the Maroons walked away with all three points against their opponents from Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Steve Barker and his troops now face a quick turnaround ahead of their next league encounter against Kaizer Chiefs, which is scheduled for Tuesday evening at the FNB Stadium.