Taunyana hopes home form can lift Stellies against Sekhukhune
Gopolang Taunyana believes Stellenbosch FC can take confidence from their last home display when they host Sekhukhune United at Athlone Stadium on Friday night.
The Maroons face Babina Noko in the Betway Premiership after a 3-1 win over Marumo Gallants in their previous home game.
“Preparations have been good,” Taunyana said. “We started on Monday and throughout the week we’ve worked with the coaches to ensure we’re one hundred percent ready for the game both mentally and physically.
“It’s also great to be home, especially knowing what happened last time we played at home with the 3-1 win which brings a good and positive spirit around the team.”
Last weekend Stellies drew 0-0 with Durban City, their first clean sheet of the season and a useful point on the road.
“It’s always a confidence booster going away from home and not conceding,” he said. “As the defence, we’ve been hit with injuries. But you can now see a bit of stability, and I think that’s something positive that we can try build on.
“It [the start to the season] hasn’t been bad, but also not great when you look at the standard we hold ourselves to. So I think it’s important to keep picking up points.
“One point leads to more points, and with time, those points build up and you see yourself climbing the table and reaching the goals set for the season.”
Kick-off is at 7.30 pm on Friday, and the game will be live on SuperSport PSL 202.
Stellies XI: Stephens, Lebitso, Mashego, Msimango, Nkwali, Palace, Daniels, Vena, Grobler, Kwayiba, Matlou
Subs: Garrow, Sibande, Taunyana, Andrieas, Willemse, April, Johannesen, Butsaka, Plaatjies
Sekhukhune XI: Buthelezi, Matsimbi, Ndlovu, Mkhize, Khupe, Rammala, Mojela, Samba, Phiri, Mokoena, Mazeu
Subs: Sapunga, Cardoso, Mashiloane, Khiba, Kazeem, Nkwana, Mandi, Ohizu, Mokgalaka
