Following their impressive back-to-back wins in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, Stellenbosch FC are focussed on tomorrow evening's Betway Premiership clash with Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium.
There will not be talk of back-to-back wins in the Chiefs camp because the team suffered a recent 1-0 loss to Cape Town City at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point over the weekend.
The Stellenbosch team that defeated Angola's Desportivo Lunda Sul 2-0 on Sunday evening at Loftus will be bolstered by defender Fawaaz Basadien and striker Ashley Cupido.
Basadien had went down with flu, but Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is certain he will be fit for action on Wednesday.
“Basadien will be fine for Wednesday's match. Unfortunately, he had a bit of flu over the last couple of days, and was struggling a little bit to breathe," said Barker.
“He participated in Sunday's warm-up but then he had a little bit of a fitness test. He just didn’t feel comfortable and strong enough. Credit to him because he was the one who brought it up and said he doesn't want to play if he's not 100%.
“As it turned out, he wasn't 100% but now he will be in contention for Wednesday (tomorrow). Hopefully, he had a good rest and will be ready for the midweek match.”
Chiefs may not be pleased to see Basadien run out on Wednesday because he has established himself as one of the finest fullbacks in the PSL.
Basadien along with Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United goalkeeper), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City winger), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City right back) and Feisal Salum (Azam FC, Tanzania, midfielder) are all in Chiefs’ radar.
Stellenbosch will also have Nigerian international defender Kazie Godswill available for the match.
His transfer has been processed and he has been working out with the squad over the past month.
He has played over 120 games in the Nigeria Professional League over the past four seasons.
Another Stellenbosch player to make an impact was Khomotjo Lekoloane, who replaced Basadien in Sunday's CAF match.
He made his maiden appearance after he was signed from Baroka in October.
He played as a defensive midfielder but produced several strong runs deep into the opposition territory.
One of his runs produced a penalty after he was pushed off the ball, plumb in front of the Lunda Sul posts.
Barker said Stellenbosch will face a “different challenge" on Wednesday.
“We are facing a different challenge. Chiefs are not Lunda Sul, but we have to go into the game with an element of confidence and belief," said Barker.
“We only play one Premiership game the whole of January and that will be on Wednesday. We need to maximise and get maximum points."
Barker said it was proving a great challenge to balance the tasks of playing in continental and domestic competitions.
“I think it does all sort of play in your mind playing in various competitions, but you just keep looking at how players are doing in training," said Barker.
"Some players are enjoying opportunities just based on training well.
“It is exciting for us because we're battling on different fronts. We may not have the experience of other teams but we're learning quickly.
“The players enjoy playing in different competitions and whoever is given the opportunity is giving 100% commitment.
“That is all a coach can ask for.”