THE 2024/25 PSL season kicks off in the Western Cape today when Stellenbosch FC host Mpumalanga visitors TS Galaxy in an MTN8 quarter-final clash at the Danie Craven Stadium in the Winelands (3pm kick-off).
Stellenbosch are one of the fancied sides following their strong performances last season after they finished the Premiership season in third place with the same number of points as Orlando Pirates.
In addition, they reached the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup semi-finals, losing to Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively.
Galaxy ended six in the Premiership for their best record in the top flight. Last season, Galaxy didn’t play in the MTN8 and crashed out of the Nedbank Cup at the quarter-final stage at the hands of Chippa United.
Galaxy’s German coach Sead Ramović has decried the loss of a few players sold to rival clubs. However, he can be relied on to send out a team capable of offering strong resistance to the hosts.
In the build-up to the match, he spoke highly of the Winelands outfit.
“Stellenbosch are a tough team with an amazing technical team, so that tells you it will be a tough match for us,” said Ramović.
“This game will help us to see exactly where we are in terms of readiness going forward.”
He also rates Stellies coach Steve Barker highly and felt he should have won last season’s Coach of the Season award.
Stellenbosch have not sold off as many players as Galaxy and have managed to hold on to their defensive kingpin Deano van Rooyen, who was on the shopping list of several clubs.
Barker feels Stellenbosch can offer their players, including Van Rooyen, a chance to win trophies.
“We have shown that we can compete to win medals and trophies. We’ve shown competitiveness in the league, and we’re now playing in the continental inter-club competition (Caf Confederation Cup) as well,” said Barker.
“Our players are excited to be part of that journey and help the club continue to grow, and continue to be successful.”
Van Rooyen is one player Galaxy will be watching out for as he’s a major asset for his team defensively.
Apart from Van Rooyen, Barker feels the club have the playing staff to ensure progress this season.
“For a club to have sustainable success, you need consistency. Two seasons ago we finished fourth in the league, and now we finished third. We are starting to show we’re establishing ourselves,” said Barker.
“We also have the players that can keep us at that level. Some of them have now made national teams, whether it’s Bafana Bafana or Cosafa Cup.
“From a player point of view, we’ve got a quality team of quality players that can continue to allow us to believe that we can be competitive in all cup competitions, starting with the MTN8 now, as well as the league.”
Serbian Samir Nurkovic will spearhead Galaxy’s attack and he can expect the Stellenbosch defence to mark him tightly. This striker can be a prolific scorer, as he showed last season when he scored eight goals despite limited playing time.