SFC claim bragging rights in the Cape Derby
Stellenbosch FC (SFC) walked away with a massive 3 points at the Cape Town Stadium this past Saturday when they beat their city neighbours and rivals, Cape Town City FC (CTCFC) 2 -1.
The Cape sides came into this encounter with both teams desperate for a win. City not having won in five and SFC struggling to pick up a win over eight consecutive league matches.
It started off like house on fire with both teams creating early chances and showcasing their intent jostling for authority.
It was, however, the away team to stamp their mark on the match when they drew first blood after a resultant corner-kick at the 14th minute found the right foot of De Goede.
After the corner had been taken the ball had fallen loosely in the box where the defender pounced in striker-like fashion, catching it on the half-volley, rippling the back of the net, sending his teammates into a frenzy. The goal, however, later awarded to De Goede’s teammate, Stanley Dimgba, who unbeknownst to him had the last touch before it found the back of the City goal.
The ‘Citizens’ struck back just moments later in the 24th when a sublime touch from Ralani neatly played in his forward partner Aubrey Ngoma, who drew his side level, sending a thumping shot past Stellies goalkeeper, Sage Stephens.
The sides went in a goal apiece at the break, 1-1 the score with it all to play for the next 45’.
With both teams seeking derby glory and a much-needed maximum points return from the fixture, it was set-up to be a half to remember.
On the other side of the break, it was the away team who started off the fresher of the two, igniting the stage with their quick transitional play using the speed calibre they possess.
In the 48th minute Stellenbosch went a goal to the good when relatives and home-grown talents, Ashley du Preez and Deano van Rooyen sealed off some fine combination play, linking up in the final third.
The Stellies Player of the Month, Van Rooyen served it on a platter by laying it off to his cousin, Du Preez, who bent the ball around City’s number 1 to find the top corner of Leeuwenburg’s goal. The City keeper standing no chance, caught flat-footed between the sticks and could do nothing but admire the finish of Du Preez and the combination of the two, dubbed ‘Stellies Pride’ in their hometown of Idas Valley.
After a couple of nervy moments towards the end and a few players in the SFC camp pulling up with cramps after a hard days’ work, it was indeed Stellies who saw out a resilient attack from the men in blue.
Stellenbosch claiming bragging rights with a 2-1 victory and a much-needed win to turn their season around.
Speaking to Supersport, Ashley du Preez, who was awarded the man of the match award said: “This is not an individual award, we fought hard as a team, we went out there knowing that we have to stick together and that’s what we did. We came away with the three points, I am very happy for that.
Head coach Steve Barker said: “It’s been a while since we’ve won, so I am delighted that we have that feeling again. I am also incredibly proud of the performance we put in, to see the commitment, desire, and determination our boys showed today, the unity and will of team and the quality was all at a high level – you couldn’t ask for more as coach. So yes, it was a fantastic win for us, a derby win but we’ll enjoy the moment for now and once the 24 hours are complete, our focus turns midweek, where we have another big game on Wednesday.”
Stellenbosch FC next face Baroka FC on Wednesday in a mid-table clash that could see the side from the Winelands eclipse their opponents on the League standings if they manage to pick up all three points on the road.
