Stellenbosch FC maintained their quest for a top-three finish in the Betway Premiership after recording a narrow 1-0 win over Chippa United.

Having suffered a semi-final exit in the CAF Confederation Cup over the weekend, Stellies welcomed Chippa to Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday evening for an important league encounter in the club’s quest to re-qualify for continental football.

The match proved to be a tightly-contested affair but it was the team from the Cape Winelands who ultimately emerged victorious after a late goal from midfielder Sanele Barns earned his side all three points on the night.

The result saw Stellies remain in touching distance of third-placed Sekhukhune United who currently sit just three points ahead in the league standings after having played an extra fixture.

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“It was a tough 90 minutes,” coach Steve Barker reflected. “…Coming back from Sunday’s match and a lot of travelling, I could see there were signs of fatigue amongst the players but fortunately we found a way to win.

“We are showing that we can ground out results even when we’re not at our best, similar to what we did in our last home [league] game against AmaZulu. It’s a massive three points for us at home and keeps us in a position we want to be in.”

Stellenbosch will be back in action this Saturday, 3 May 2025, when they take on Golden Arrows in a league encounter at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale.