Richards Bay and Stellenbosch FC have announced their starting line-ups for this afternoon’s Carling Knockout Cup first semifinal clash at King Zwelithini Stadium.
This is a match where history will be written no matter which club wins. Both side have never reached a cup final and both have a chance to be in the Carling Knockout Cup final.
The Natal Richboyz might be struggling in the DStv Premiership but they have had a successful run in the league cup. The lads from KwaZulu-Natal knocked out Moroka Swallows in the round of 16 before eliminating Orlando Pirates in the quarterfinals via penalties.
Head coach Kaitano Tembo is familiar with winning a trophy as he clinched the MTN8 with Supersport United back in 2019/20 season. He is expected to lead the Richboyz to their first final in the club’s history.
But standing in his way are Steve Barker’s Cape Winelands side. This is their third semifinal in 2023. In May, they were knocked out by Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup semis via penalties. Two months ago, they got knocked out by Pirates in the MTN8 on the away-goal rule.
The young energetic Stellies team are also aiming to make it to their first-ever cup final since gaining promotion to the elite league in 2018/19 season. They’ve already dumped out Chippa United and Polokwane City away from home and this is their third match in the Carling Knockout Cup that they are playing on the road.
Here is how they line up:
Richards Bay XI: Manqele, Dlamini, Banda, Mthethwa, Mcineka, Komane, Barns, Mhlongo, Figareido, Mthembu, Gumede
Subs: Mabokgwane, Dube, Mabaso, Mabuya, Ndaba, Mbuthuma, Ntsundwana, Mohomi, Mohlamme
Stellenbosch XI: Stephens, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Toure, Moloisane, Adams, Nduli, Palace, Oura, Titus, Rayners
Subs: Masuluke, Mcaba, Sibande, Mgaga, Matsheke, Sekgota, De Jong, Van Wyk, Boji