Stellenbosch FC lost 2-0 to Chippa United in a Premier Soccer League match on Saturday, extending their recent run without a win. The defeat leaves the club seventh in the standings with 10 points from eight games, now 13 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their overall record this season is two wins, four draws and two losses.
Chippa United scored in each half to secure the points. K. Majadibodu opened the scoring in the 27th minute, and Imraan Jones sealed the victory late on, converting a pass from Justice Figuareido in the 83rd minute.
Stellenbosch dominated possession with 59% and had 15 shots to their opponent's seven. But only three of those efforts were on target, while Chippa United were far more clinical, putting five of their seven shots on goal. The visitors also won seven corners to Stellenbosch's two. Coach G. Hunt set his side up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, but the team could not break down a well-organised Chippa defence. The home side's frustrations showed when L. Matlou was booked in the 32nd minute.
Hunt made five changes in search of a response, including bringing on Quwan Christiano Plaatjies for Raoul Daniels after 58 minutes. Plaatjies is the club's top scorer this season with three goals in six appearances. Ashley Du Preez also entered the fray late on, but the equaliser never came.
The loss is a setback for a team that had shown promise earlier in the campaign. Their recent form now reads two wins, one draw and one loss from the last four matches. This sequence includes a 2-0 win at Durban City on 28 October, a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs on 13 October, and a 1-0 victory over Kruger United on 19 September. The team has scored nine goals and conceded eight this season, giving them a goal difference of plus one. The immediate focus shifts to a quick turnaround, with an away trip to face Richards Bay coming up on Wednesday, 4 November. Richards Bay are currently 16th in the table, offering Stellenbosch a chance to get back on track. The club will hope top scorer Plaatjies can find form again in the upcoming fixtures.
