Stellenbosch out to end Leopards' hopes

Stellenbosch FC will welcome Black Leopards in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) play-offs match at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

The Western Cape side are coming off a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Baroka FC in the play-offs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

The defeat ended Stellenbosch's hopes of gaining promotion to the PSL as they are placed second on the play-offs standings - five points behind the leaders Baroka with one game left for both sides.

Stellenbosch will look to their experienced forward Mame Niang as they look to end their play-offs campaign with a victory over Leopards at home.

Stellenbosch midfielder Manti Moholo says the club's pride will be at stake for the when they take on Leopards at home.

"Although, we are no longer in the race for promotion, the club's pride is at stake. So, we are taking this game very seriously," Moholo told SuperSport.com.

"Everyone has been working hard as we prepare for the match against Leopards. Everyone wants to be involved.

"The coach (Sammy Troughton) will decide on the starting line-up and those who are starting will work hard for a victory."

Meanwhile, Leopards were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Baroka in their last play-offs match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium last week Wednesday.

The defeat sees Limpopo side placed third on the play-offs standings with one point from two matches. A victory over Stellenbosch will keep Leopards' hopes of gaining promotion alive.

Mziwokuthula Zimu, who scored Leopards' consolation goal against Baroka, will be hoping to score again and help his side defeat Stellenbosch.

Leopards goalkeeper Aubrey Mathibe says their preparations for the clash against Stellebosch have gone well under Jean Francois Losciuto's supervision.

"Well, it won't be an easy match for us. We all know that we still have a chance to gain promotion to the play-offs," Mathibe told SuperSport.com.

"We have the right mentality heading into this match. We have been busy with our normal preparations.

"We are ready for Stellenbosch and we shall do our best to defeat them in Cape Town."

When Stellenbosch and Leopards met in the play-offs in Thohoyandou almost two weeks ago, the two sides drew 0-0.