CAF Confederation Cup: Hunt vs Ramovic showdown as Stellenbosch target top spot

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CAF Confederation Cup: Hunt vs Ramovic showdown as Stellenbosch target top spot
Image - Stellies

Stellenbosch FC will be aiming to reclaim top spot in CAF Confederation Cup Group C when they host CR Belouizdad at the DHL Cape Town Stadium on Sunday from 15.00 SAT.

The match carries an intriguing subplot as new Stellies coach Gavin Hunt goes head-to-head with former TS Galaxy boss Sead Ramović, who is now in charge of Belouizdad.

The two coaches know South African football well, adding extra tactical spice to this continental clash.

Current Form

Stellenbosch suffered their first Group C defeat last weekend, losing 2–0 to Belouizdad in Algeria. It was also their second loss in three matches across all competitions, dropping them to second place in the group.

However, Stellies remain just two points behind Belouizdad, meaning a home win will return them to the top of the table with two fixtures remaining.

Belouizdad, meanwhile, claimed their second straight Group C victory with last weekend’s result. Their back-to-back wins have lifted them to first place with three matches still to play.

The Algerian side now travel to Cape Town with an opportunity to extend their lead and edge closer to a quarterfinal spot.

Team News

Stellenbosch have received a major boost with the return of Tshegofatso Mabasa, Kobamelo Kodisang and Mosa Lebusa, all of whom missed the trip to Algeria due to visa delays.

Tshegofatso Mabasa Stellenbosch
Image – Stellenbosch

However, Stellies have confirmed the departure of Sanele Barns, who surprisingly rejoined Richards Bay this week after starting in the previous match.

Belouizdad will be without long-serving midfielder Housseyn Selmi, who has left the club after nearly a decade with the Algerian giants.

What Was Said

“We tried to navigate the first 20 minutes and get a foothold, but the speed of the game caught us off guard. It was a difficult start, though I thought we grew into it.

The next match will be very different — it’s in the afternoon, hot conditions, and that may suit us. It’s another challenge, but one we must prepare for properly and use to our advantage,” Gavin Hunt, Stellenbosch FC Head Coach, told SuperSport.

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Sead Ramovic – Picture by TS Galaxy

“We faced a very strong and organised team with a very experienced coach. I know Stellenbosch well from my time working in South Africa and that helped our preparation.

“We analysed their strengths and weaknesses carefully. I thank our players and staff for their effort, and our supporters for their incredible backing,” Sead Ramovic – CR Belouizdad Head Coach

Head-to-Head

This will be only the second-ever meeting between Stellenbosch and CR Belouizdad.

Belouizdad won the first encounter 2–0 last weekend in Algeria.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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