Andre de Jong has described the upcoming week as a defining period in Stellenbosch FC’s season, starting with Saturday’s Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash against SuperSport United.

Stellies are set to continue their cup campaign this weekend when they welcome SuperSport United to Danie Craven Stadium for a highly-anticipated quarter-final encounter.

“As a team, we are super excited for this game. It’s a big game for the club to try and get into another semi-final and to obviously go one better this year by making the final,” De Jong said.

“SuperSport United are a very tricky team and pose a lot of threats, especially going forward, but hopefully we can keep to the form that we’ve been in recently and progress this weekend.”

Read | Ticket & fixture information for SuperSport United clash

He added, “It’s obviously a massive game and in a cup game anything can happen on the day. I think their league form has maybe been a little bit patchy but, in terms of their cup game, it’s been very good.

“A quarter-final is no easy game, and then we have the reverse fixture against Sekhukhune United and another match against TS Galaxy after that, so these three games will probably shape our season. It’s a massive week coming up.”

De Jong has been in impressive individual form recently, notably winning the Man of the Match award in last weekend’s league match against Sekhukhune United, but places credit firmly at the feet of his Stellies squad mates.

Read | Titus motivated to help Stellies reach Nedbank Cup semi-finals

“It was nice to play the full 90 minutes [against Sekhukhune United] but I think the result will have given the whole team confidence,” he said.

“Sekhukhune United were in very good form coming into the game but we kept a nice clean sheet at home. We could’ve pushed for more and probably deserved more from the game, but we’ll take it as a confidence booster heading into the weekend.

“Naturally, as a team, we have all been in good form, so it’s easier when everyone is pulling together in the right direction. If you have a slightly off day you know one of the other guys will lift you and boost you for that game.

“I think the fact that the team is doing very well overall, combined with some really good individual performances, makes it easier to stay in form.”

The Nedbank Cup quarter-final encounter between Stellenbosch FC and SuperSport United is scheduled to kick off at Danie Craven Stadium at 15h00 on Saturday, 13 April 2023. Tickets are available to purchase for R60.00 here.