Rulani: Why Stellenbosch are a tricky side for Mamelodi Sundowns

Downs brushed Stellies aside with a convincing 3-0 victory in August, but the corresponding DStv Premiership fixture at the Danie Craven Stadium last month ended 1-1. 

Mokwena speaks highly of coach Steve Barker’s outfit ahead of their Nedbank Cup quarterfinals clash in Cape Town tomorrow.   

"A very good side, a well-coached side – Stevie Barker is doing good work. Their log position doesn't reflect their quality and their performances, but that, as I said, is football," said Mokwena.

"A very good team with some very good players – Olwethu Makhanya as centre-back, bright potential, [Fawaaz] Basadien has been very good and extremely consistent.

"Ok, [Deano] van Rooyen is injured, so it will be interesting to see – we'll have to go deeper into the games, we've seen what they could possibly do, so we have to continue to try to dig deep and find information.

"[Vusi] Sibiya is good, strong, very experienced, he's played for some PSL and NFD sides, so he's got very good experience."

Sundowns will do well to keep an eye on striker Iqraam Rayners, who has scored nine goals in eight matches – including four in two in the cup – since rejoining the club from SuperSport United in January.

"They've got Rayners, who's come back from SuperSport and he's movement is very, very tricky, but that's influenced a little bit by the link-up between him and [Andre] de Jong, who is good, especially with the ball to feet.

"And if you're not careful then that brings the centre-halves to step into the midfield a lot more, and once that happens then you've got space behind for Rayners to run into."