SuperSport, Stellies in battle to boost top two hopes

SuperSport United will tussle it out with one of their top rivals in Stellenbosch FC in Friday's DStv Premiership match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Kick-off is at 7:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Matsatsantsa ended the year 2023 with a surprise 3-1 loss to a relegation-threatened Richards Bay side away in a league encounter on 30 December.

Therefore, SuperSport's three-match unbeaten run across all competitions came to an end. The Tshwane giants are placed third in the DStv Premiership standings - level on points with second-placed Cape Town City and nine points behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch wrapped up the year 2023 with a 3-2 win over Orlando Pirates away in the league on 29 December, but they started this year with a 2-1 loss to Carling All-Stars.

The loss to All Stars ended Stellies' 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions, but they remain unbeaten in 11 competitive matches including seven league games. The Western Cape side is placed fourth on the DStv Premiership standings - three points behind SuperSport and Stellies have a game in hand.

TEAM NEWS

SuperSport will be without the services of defender Ime Okon who is suspended, but the club signed defender Keegan Allan during the recent PSL January transfer window.

Stellenbosch, on the other hand, will be without Fawaaz Basadien who is suspended while Kgaogelo Sekgota parted ways with the Western Cape club earlier this month.

WHAT WAS SAID

SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt

“It's good to have a solid player like Keegan in the mix," Hunt said recently as he explained why Keegan Allan will be important to his team.

"He knows the club well and will provide valuable depth for us at a time when our injury list and suspensions were leaving