Relegation dogfight heats up as Stellenbosch prepare for Magesi's visit

Stellies have endured an inconsistent campaign, reflected in a return of two wins and three defeats from their last five matches.

However, they arrive with slightly more momentum than their opponents after edging Sekhukhune United 1-0 on 20 January.

While home advantage should favour them, their record in front of their own supporters has been underwhelming, with just two victories from eight league outings at the Danie Craven Stadium.

The January additions of Tshegofatso Mabasa and Mosa Lebusa are expected to provide renewed impetus. Mabasa, in particular, is tipped to spearhead the attack as Stellenbosch seek to improve their cutting edge.

Langelihle Phili remains their most reliable source of goals, leading the side with five strikes this season.

"We're not safe. I mean, Chippa won three in a row now. So, you know, from bottom to nowhere, to like above us," said Stellenbosch head coach Gavin Hunt.

"The problem is people can look at it with games in hand, but games in hand mean nothing. Points in hand are better for me, you know. So, Wednesday is a huge game for us, yeah."

Magesi FC, meanwhile, are rooted to the foot of the table and are desperate to arrest a worrying slide. They are four points below Stellenbosch, who are in 13th position.

Their last league win came in October 2025, and a 2-0 defeat to Golden Arrows on 13 February extended a run of five matches without victory. Alarmingly, they are yet to win away from home this season, recording three draws and six losses on the road.

The sides played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the campaign, suggesting Magesi can be stubborn opponents. Still, Stellies start as favourites, though another tight, low-scoring encounter appears likely.