Sergio Dos Santos: Stellenbosch FC Have the Upper Hand in Nedbank Cup Quarter-Final

Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach, Sergio Dos Santos, believes that Stellenbosch FC hold a distinct advantage heading into their Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash with Chiefs. Despite the match being an away fixture for Stellenbosch, Dos Santos points out that the circumstances surrounding the game give the home side an edge, particularly considering the change in venue and the dynamics at play.

Stellenbosch FC will be forced to play their “home” match away from their usual venue, the Danie Craven Stadium, due to a ban by the Stellenbosch Municipality on hosting Kaizer Chiefs fixtures there. The ban stems from concerns about the stadium’s capacity and security for matches against Chiefs, one of the most-supported teams in South Africa. Additionally, no other stadium in Cape Town is available for the fixture this weekend, adding to the logistical challenges for Stellenbosch.

For Chiefs, this match presents an opportunity to break their nine-year trophy drought, with the Nedbank Cup being their last hope for silverware this season. The team’s loyal fan base ensures that they always have strong support, regardless of the venue. However, Dos Santos argues that Stellenbosch’s situation works to their benefit.

“Obviously, as a club, you prefer to play on your home ground, in front of your supporters,” Dos Santos said. “But it’s easier for Stellenbosch because they don’t have the kind of support that Chiefs enjoy. No matter where Chiefs play, they will still have strong support.”

While Chiefs’ fan support remains a formidable advantage, Dos Santos highlights some critical concerns for the team heading into the clash. “The way they are playing at the moment is like mixing cold water with hot water,” he noted. “There are still issues, particularly with too many young players thinking it’s more important to play for themselves rather than for the club.”

He elaborated on how the style of play among some of the younger Chiefs players has led to inconsistency, pointing out that players are sometimes trying to be too clever on the ball, attempting risky passes or dribbles, which leads to losing possession. “This is a problem,” Dos Santos remarked.

Despite these concerns, Dos Santos acknowledged that Chiefs’ passionate support could still play a pivotal role in the match. “Kaizer Chiefs could win because of the crowd support, but Stellenbosch is a tough team to crack,” he said. “Chiefs are struggling to score goals, and even when they do, they often find themselves under pressure.”

Ultimately, Dos Santos believes that Stellenbosch has a strong chance of emerging victorious. “I think Stellenbosch has a good chance of winning this match. It’s going to be tough and may even go to penalties,” he predicted.

As the two teams prepare for a highly anticipated encounter, the spotlight will be on how Chiefs can overcome their recent struggles and how Stellenbosch will use their tactical discipline to capitalize on the unique circumstances of the match. Fans of both teams will be hoping for a thrilling and decisive contest in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final.