Thabo Moloisane has stressed the importance of maintaining a champion’s mentality ahead of Sunday’s Carling Knockout quarter-final clash against Marumo Gallants.

Reigning Carling Knockout champions Stellenbosch FC have traveled to Bloemfontein where they will take on the challenge of Marumo Gallants at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium for a spot in the last four of this year’s competition.

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Speaking ahead of the highly-anticipated encounter, Stellies defender Thabo Moloisane shared some insight into the team’s mentality heading into the match.

“We need to take ownership of it, this is our trophy, and we don’t want to make any mistake that prevents us from bringing it back home this season,” Moloisane said.

“We’re now in the quarter-finals fighting for a spot in the semis, so it’s very important for us to go into the match with a champion’s mentality and the belief that we can ultimately retain our title.”

Sunday’s encounter will be the second match between Stellenbosch and Gallants in the space of four days after the team from the Cape Winelands recorded a 1-0 Betway Premiership win on Thursday evening.

“The most important thing for us to continue where we left off,” Moloisane added.

“We’ve had a tough run of games in quick succession which hasn’t been easy, but we’re confident because we were able to control the match and earn the win during the mid-week fixture.

“The weekend’s game is obviously a knockout match though, and it will be their home game, so I expect them to want to come out more than on Thursday. It won’t be easy and they will come out guns blazing, so we have to make sure we’re prepared for that.”

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The 25-year-old played a pivotal role in his side’s mid-week victory by scoring the match-winning goal in the 77th minute, opening his goalscoring account for the season in the process.

“I came into this season with aspirations to score more goals because I know that I am a defender who scores,” he concluded. “I’m glad that I was able to get off the mark and it gives me confidence to know that I can also chip in when the team needs.

“That goes for all of our defenders, because Ismaël Touré is also capable in front of goal. We have a number of different goalscorers across the team and that makes us dangerous because a goal can come from anywhere.”

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The Carling Knockout quarter-final encounter between Marumo Gallants is scheduled to kick off at 15h00 on Sunday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport channel 209.