Thabo Moloisane has stressed that Stellenbosch FC ‘are here to compete’ ahead of the club’s highly-anticipated MTN8 semi-final encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Stellenbosch FC have travelled to Pretoria where they will take on last season’s runners-up in the first installment of the two-legged tie on Wednesday evening.

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Speaking ahead of the fixture, Stellies defender Thabo Moloisane revealed that the team was in good spirits ahead of the mid-week clash against Masandawana.

“We have been in a camp for a couple of days and started the week with a good win in our CAF game (against Nsingizini Hotspurs) which was a morale-boosting result heading into the match against Sundowns,” Moloisane said.

“Preparations have been going well and we’re doing everything possible to sharpen up and put ourselves in the best position to get a result on Wednesday.

“Playing against Sundowns is never easy but I believe we are a very competitive team and we’ll try to stamp our authority as well, so we’re going to Pretoria to try to win the first leg.

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“Every team is as competitive as the other. We are not thinking about who is there or who is not there, we are focused on our team and ensuring that we do our best so that when we leave the pitch we are proud of our performance.

Stellenbosch have reached the semi-final in each of the last five domestic cup campaigns, including last season’s triumphant Carling Knockout journey, and Moloisane believes this has resulted in a change in mindset at the club.

“The mentality has completely shifted,” Moloisane added. “We saw it last season when we were able to reach two semi-finals and win a trophy.

“Even as a young squad, we saw that we are as capable as any other team who might have more experienced players. The mentality has changed and we no longer see ourselves as the ‘underdogs’ or as a ‘small team’.

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“For us, it is important to build on that this season again and to make a statement that we are here to compete.”

Wednesday’s MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns will take place at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 19h00. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC Sport.