Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored twice late on to fire Stellenbosch FC into the Carling Knockout quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Durban City on Wednesday. The victory, which mirrored their recent league result against the same opponent, sets up a quick return to Danie Craven Stadium for a Premier Soccer League fixture against Chippa United this Wednesday. Stellenbosch currently sit seventh in the Premier Soccer League with 10 points from eight games, having recorded two wins, four draws and two losses. Their recent form across the last three matches is two wins and a draw, keeping them unbeaten.
The match was a tight affair until the 84th minute when Kwayiba broke the deadlock, finishing from a pass by substitute Adeyanju. The result extends Stellenbosch's unbeaten run to three matches across all competitions. This cup success follows a 2-0 league win over Durban City on Wednesday 28 October and a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday 13 October, part of a sequence that also includes a 1-0 victory over Kruger United on Saturday 19 September.
Stellenbosch's defensive unit, marshalled by Frederick Asare and goalkeeper Nathan Garrow, was key to the clean sheet. Asare made a vital block in the 37th minute, while Garrow was called into action to deny Haashim Domingo in the second half. The team has conceded eight goals while scoring nine in the league this season.
Durban City's attack was blunted early when Gaston Sirino went off injured in the 16th minute. His replacement, Samkelo Maseko, tested Garrow with a volley, but the Stellenbosch keeper was equal to it. The visitors' best chance fell to John Mokone, whose header drifted narrowly wide.
The win provides a confidence boost as Stellenbosch now turn their focus to the league, where they host ninth-placed Chippa United on Friday 30 October evening. They trail league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by thirteen points. Top scorer Q. Plaatjies, who has three goals in six appearances this season, was substituted in the 66th minute as part of the tactical reshuffle.
