Stellenbosch FC reclaimed second spot on the DStv Premiership table following a dominant 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows on Wednesday evening.
The Maroons made just a single change in Sihle Ndluli ahead of Genino Palace following the dominant display against Polokwane City, with Knox Mutizwa back in for Abafana Besthende.
A dreadful start followed for the visitors a minute in when a blind-run in the area by Devon Titus led to a pin-point delivery from Anicet Oura for the flying fullback to head in the far corner.
Red-hot Iqraam Rayners looked to get one in too after a slow opening and slammed wide from the far side following a forward run minutes later.
Stellies continued to have the momentum later on despite a strong spell from the visitors and looked to have gone ahead with a tap-in by Andre De Jong, but it was disallowed for offside.
Abafana Besthende were still able to keep the host on the edge a little later and found runs in-behind but lacked the cutting edge to trouble the opposing Sage Stephens.
No team made substitutions before the resumption for the second half, as Abafana Besthende looked to salvage something from the clash.
However, the Maroons were still seeing much of the chances and box entries and were moments apart from a second as Rayners particularly snuffed a telling opening.
The visitors came alive later on and threatened a response when a flying shot from the area by substitute Olwethu Ncube draw a one-hand save from Stephens.
Stellies were two goals to the good in the midway quarter after Oura beat the offside trap and connected with Jayden Adams’ through pass to slot through Ismail Watenga.
Rayners came good with under 20 minutes to go as he picked up a loose clearance in the box and took one touch to grab his 14th goal of the season.
Stellenbosch made a substitution a few minutes later which had Oura sacrificed and Antonio Van Wyk send on by coach Steve Barker.
The Maroons consolidated matter in the final exchanges and secured the win to return to second spot ahead of Orlando Pirates.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Toure, Basadien, van Rooyen, Nduli, Moloisane, Adams, Oura, de Jong, Titus, Rayners
Subs: Masuluke, Mcaba, Jurgens, Mgaga, Sibande, van Wyk, Colley, Palace, Boji
Golden Arrows: Watenga, Cross , Mgwengani, Shitolo, Theron, Mthanti, Mutizwa, Sibiya, Dube, Dlamini, Nguse
Subs: Kayode, Zuke, Mantshiyane , Zwane, Tlolane, Ncube , Moon, Van Rooi, Lukhele
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!
