Stellies turn to De Jong for to master attacking edge
STELLENBOSCH FC have appointed new signing Andre de Jong to lead their attack against Premiership upstarts Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi today (5.30pm kick-off).
Stellenbosch are 13th on the standings while Richards Bay are in fourth place.
According to coach Steve Barker, New Zealander De Jong brings an extra dimension to the attack and offers a different aspect with his link-up play.
“We've had to play Jaden Adams and Antonio van Wyk in that sort of role at times,” said Barker.
“I think Andre just gives us a little bit more balance throughout, in terms of aerial set plays for and against, plus the ability to remain in those pockets and be calm and link the defence and midfield into the attack. He's not the most explosive player.
“He’s not going to be running in behind but you can bounce things off him. I don’t think he’s at his best. I think with more games to come and a bit more conditioning behind him plus more minutes behind him, he’ll be key.”
After the club’s other new signing Iqraam Rayners during the January transfer window, Barker is happy with the back-up for the front runners.
“I think we now have a front four with good backup and the ability to now play different situations the way we need to,” said Barker.
Richards Bay co-coach Pitso Dladla is
banking on home advantage after his side won just two of their seven games since the league resumed after the World Cup break.
In another 5.30pm kick-off today, Sekhukhune United host Cape Town City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. After consecutive defeats against Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants, Sekhukhune returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory against Richards Bay last week.
Like Sekhukhune, City rebounded from defeats against Stellenbosch and SuperSport United by securing a 2-0 win against Swallows FC.
Sekhukhune and City last met at the DHL Stadium in September last year when they drew 0-0.
Now as the home side, Sekhukhune are on a run of three consecutive wins in
their own patch. The Mother City outfit are eighth on the table, one place behind their opponents.
Reflecting on their win against the Dube Birds, coach Eric Tinkler said tactics flew out the window and that getting the right result mattered most.
“We were talking beforehand about how many box entries we get and then we scored two absolutely fantastic goals,” Tinkler said.
“The result was more important, if I had to give my analysis, the three points are what mattered.
“It was purely about getting the result, getting over the line and now going with a positive frame of mind into the next games.”
Today’s action will be rounded off by the KZN derby between AmaZulu and Royal AM at Moses Mabhida Stadium (8pm).