STELLENBOSCH had to dig deep to still have hope for a top-eight position in his debut season.

That is after coach Steve Barker’s Stellies team drew 1-1 against AmaZulu in the Tuks Stadium last night.

Barker’s troops showed true character for a team that was not at their best.

But as in the previous four matches in the Tuks Stadium, Stellies were difficult to beat and fought to the last – even though they blew a large part of the fight hot and cold.

Geesdrif
AmaZulu’s Sphesihle Maduna exploited the home side’s uncertainty with his ball possession.

Maduna smelled first blood in the 38th minute which gave his team a 1-0 lead when the teams went to drink water.

The expectation was that Barker’s troops would show more enthusiasm in the second half, but again they could not get a grip on the game. Moods between the teams flared up in the second half.

It was especially frustrations from Stellenbosch that struggled to find its rhythm and penetrate Usuthu’s defense.

AmaZulu also deserves credit for not giving Stellies the space and space it needs.

But Stellenbosch were rewarded in the 82nd minute for their never say die attitude.

And who else but Stellenbosch’s Leletu Skelem – who these days can not put a foot wrong – could settle matters.

Skelem rounded off fantastically from inside the goal area after an equally perfect pass by Ashley du Preez on the right wing.

Barker will be the first to admit that Stellenbosch has driven its fortunes.

Meanwhile, his neighboring team Cape Town City stepped on clay.

That was when the Citizens (39 points) in turn got stuck with 0-1 against Highlands Park, who are also chasing a position among the top eight teams.

Peter Shalulile, Highlands Park’s goal scorer (38 points), made the difference, bringing Highlands within just one point of the Cape team.

Stellenbosch remains in tenth position. He and Bloemfontein Celtic are level with 36 points each, but Celtic have a better goal difference and occupy the ninth position. Stellies must now win its last game of the season against the Orlando Pirates – and hopes other results count in its favor.