Tshegofatso Mabasa will not be available to feature against his parent club Orlando Pirates on Tuesday evening.
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Stellenbosch FC’s chances of upsetting title-chasers Orlando Pirates on Tuesday evening at Athlone Stadium have suffered a double blow.
On-loan striker Tshegofatso Mabasa will not line up against the Buccaneers due to a clause stating he is not allowed to play against his parent club.
The 29-year-old’s contract with Pirates draws to a close shortly and fellow Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly keen to bring their closest rivals’ second highest all-time goalscorer to Naturena.
Mabasa has been in good form for Stellies since joining the Winelands outfit during the January transfer window, having found the net four times in 15 appearances, including the equaliser against league-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns a fortnight ago.
Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt will also not be able to call on influential centre-back Thabo Moloisane, who is suspended for the all-important clash against the Bucs.
Hunt may have to call upon Belgian defender Henry Stanic to fill the gap in central defence. After a promising start to his Stellies career upon arriving in South Africa this year under former coach Steve Barker, the tall and athletic defender has lost favour since Hunt’s appointment in January.
Stanic has been on the bench for Stellenbosch’s last six matches, but could be drafted into the line-up this evening in Moloisane’s absence as the home team chase a top eight spot.
Kickoff is at 7:30pm and Stellenbosch FC club officials have appealed to fans attending the match to arrive early as all tickets are sold out and nothing will be available at the gate.