Stellenbosch FC and TS Galaxy had an exhilarating campaign last season with both sides securing spots in the top eight.
Stellenbosch excelled, claiming third place and qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup, while TS Galaxy finished in sixth position.
Galaxy enters for the first time in the competition following immense improvement under the guidance of Sead Ramovic.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Will TS Galaxy avenge Carling Knockout Cup final heartbreak and defeat Stellies for the first time?
This quarterfinal will be a replay of the Carling Knockout Cup final where the Winelands side came out victorious on penalties to lift the trophy in December.
Steve Barker’s side also collected six points from two league matches of the 2023/24 season, winning 3-0 in the first round and 2-1 in the second round.
The Mpumalanga-based outfit has never beaten Stellenbosch since their first meeting in 2018 before the clubs’ promotions to the top-flight. Stellenbosch have won nine of their 12 meetings while three ended in stalemates.
WHAT COACHES SAID?
Barker acknowledged the difficulty of encounters against Ramovic-led Galaxy: “Myself and coach Sead (Ramovic) have had many battles over the last couple of seasons and it’s never an easy encounter.”
“It was a good season for us but it has passed and we can’t dwell on the past. It’s what the future holds for us and we want to keep growing as a club.”
Meanwhile, Ramovic began by complimenting Barker, who defeated him three times last season, suggesting that the Coach of the Season award should have gone to Stellies mentor.
He also expressed his hope to beat Stellies this time around.
“It will be great to play against a great team, it was always very, very tough when we play against them,” said Ramovic.
“I’ve always said that I like the coach (Steve Barker). In my view, he actually was the coach of the season.
“What he did was amazing. It will be a tough one but we preparing ourselves and hopefully this time we win.”
TIME AND WHERE TO WATCH
The match will take place on Saturday, 4 August at Danie Craven Stadium at 6 pm. Tickets sell at R60 at TicketPro and TicketPro outlets.
For those to watch at home, the match will be broadcast on SuperSport PSL (Channel 202).
