Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker expects a tough encounter against in-form Polokwane City when the two sides meet in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16.

Stellies will host Polokwane City in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 at Danie Craven Stadium on Thursday evening after overcoming the challenge of National First Division side Kruger United in the previous round of the competition.

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“It’s never easy when you play a team from a lower division, but going from a goal down to Kruger United and coming back to get the job done has put us in a position to be in the last 16 against Polokwane City, who everyone knows is having a really good season,” Barker said ahead of the tie.

“We do anticipate that in order for us to advance, we will have to be at our best and we’ll have to find a little bit of form because maybe in the last couple of games, we haven’t been at our best.

“Fortunately, a lot of the players that weren’t available, especially against Kaizer Chiefs, will be available for Thursday evening. The only doubtful ones are [Lehlogonolo] Mojela, who’s out for the long term, as well as Athenkosi Mcaba, but otherwise, everybody else comes into reckoning. We do also have two suspensions in Sihle Nduli and Kyle Jurgens.

“But we are really looking forward to the match. It’s a cup competition and it’s always nice to play in these types of competitions, especially in South African football where we’re now three games away from another final, starting on Thursday. It’s important for us to get past Polokwane, and then we can always take it from there…”

Lehlogonolo Mojela produced a splendid finish in our last meeting against Polokwane City 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EOAeZNancG

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) February 12, 2025

Barker was also quick to pay credit to Thursday’s opponents who are enjoying a strong season, currently occupying third position in the domestic Betway Premiership log table.

“Polokwane City have been effective in what they do this season, especially in a player like [Oswin] Apollis who is a bit of their talisman,” Barker added.

“He plays in a type of position where he cheats a little bit, which makes him dangerous on transition, and obviously he’s smart with his sort of decision-making and the quality of his passing.

“They’ve also got a solid defence – they had a bit of a setback with [Thabang] Matuludi who picked up an injury – but they have two seasoned centre-backs and [Ndamulelo] Maphangule has shown his quality, plus some wingers with good ability.

“They seem to be a tight-knit team working hard for each other, and, just taking the opportunities when they have been presented to them and being quite difficult to break down.

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“We have played them in the league this season already, a 1-1 draw in which we had taken the lead with a really good goal before they got a deflected goal from a set piece situation, but they are having a good season. It’s up to us though, in our home game and with our ambitions, to ensure that we get past Polokwane City and get ourselves into the quarter-final.”