Soccer
Stellenbosch FC vs Richards Bay FC Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: February 21, 2025 Kickoff Time: 17:30 (UK Time) Venue: Danie Craven Stadium SportsBoom previews the Betway Premiership match between Stellenbosch and Richards Bay at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday, 21 February 2025. As the match approaches, the stakes are higher than ever for punters looking to capitalize on every opportunity. Our expert analysis will guide you through the key stats, odds, and strategies to ensure you're prepared for a thrilling betting experience at premium soccer betting sites.
A general view inside prior to the WXV 2 2023 match//Getty Images
Richards Bay FC will be aiming for their third consecutive Betway Premiership victory when the Natal Rich Boys make the trip to the Western Cape to lock horns with a Stellenbosch team that frankly hasn’t been up to par this season, compared to their decent standards.
The visitors are riding high off the back of wins over Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City, while Stellenbosch has struggled to find consistency and are without a victory in four Betway Premiership matches on home soil.
PRE-GAME ODDS AND WIN PROBABILITY
STELLENBOSCH CLEAR FAVORITES
HOME: 10/10 (2.00) – 50%
DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32,3%
AWAY: 25/10 (3.50) – 28,6%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Last Five Meetings (PSL)
26/10/24: Richards Bay 0-0 Stellenbosch
25/05/24: Richards Bay 2-1 Stellenbosch
07/11/23: Stellenbosch 2-1 Richards Bay
25/02/23: Richards Bay 1-2 Stellenbosch
03/09/22: Stellenbosch 1-2 Richards Bay
STELLENBOSCH FC: CURRENT FORM – LDWLD
Stellenbosch got back to winning ways after securing their Nedbank Cup quarter-final berth with a 2-0 victory over Polokwane City. Manager Steve Barker will be aiming for his troops to replicate the same levels of performance in the Betway Premiership where the Maroons have only won once in six league matches, at the time of writing.
Jayden Adams’ departure midway through the season to champions Mamelodi Sundowns, coupled with the long-term absence of marquee signing Lehlohonolo Mojela (ACL knee injury) since October last year, has left Stellies short on firepower.
Stellenbosch have only managed to collect two points from their last four Betway Premiership matches, settling for a share of the spoils against TS Galaxy (1-1) and Sekhukhune United (1-1), while narrowly losing to Mamelodi Sundowns (0-1), and Kaizer Chiefs (0-1). Manager Steve Barker will be desperate to gain momentum at the Danie Craven stadium in order to finish in the top half of the table.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Fawaaz Basadien: A vital defensive and attacking presence on the left side, Basadien is strong in tackles, has quick recovery speed, and is a reliable crosser of the ball.
- Devin Titus: The pacey winger has been in fine goal-scoring form recently, finding the net against Kruger United and Polokwane City in the Nedbank Cup as well as a second-half brace in the Betway Premiership against AmaZulu in Durban.
- Kyle Jurgens: The 21-year-old right-back started against Kaizer Chiefs and didn’t look out of place, testing his abilities against the likes of Gaston Sirino.
STELLENBOSCH FC TEAM NEWS
Speaking at a press conference, coach Barker explained the recovery process of striker Lehlohonolo Mojela, stating: “Bradley is upbeat and says he wants to play in March, but realistically it’s a 50/50 on whether he gets onto the park again this season.”
“If so, it would be in late April or May (that he might return) but once you get to that stage of the season, we need to consider if we risk it for the last three or four games, as opposed to waiting until next season. I think it will also depend on where we are in the league and how he is feeling, but it is a slim opportunity that he will play again this season.”
RICHARDS BAY FC: CURRENT FORM – WWDLD
Richards Bay seem to have found their winning formula under the guidance of coach Ronnie Gabriel who has earned consecutive Betway Premiership victories for the first time since taking over the reins at the Natal Rich Boys. They beat Marumo Gallants (2-1) and Polokwane City (2-0), with 19-year-old striker Ntlonelo Bomelo scoring in both matches at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
Bomelo came off the bench to inspire a 10-man Richards Bay team to a come-from-behind win against Marumo Gallants. He then went on to seal maximum points over Polokwane City with a decent goal that has catapulted the Natal Rich Boys out of the relegation zone for the time being with the likes of Marumo Gallants and Magesi FC hot on their heels.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Ntlonelo Bomelo: Coach Gabriel has done a fantastic job describing the talented young striker, stating: “I’ve said it in the past as well, Bomelo is a predatory striker, a classy finisher in the box. He’s got the composure and calmness to put the ball in the back of the net and also the football intelligence to position himself in the right place at the right moment.”
- Keegan Allan: The 23-year-old centre-back has been a constant presence in the Richards Bay starting XI this season, establishing himself as a regular by being a versatile defender. Allan is a handful in the opposition box during attacking set pieces, tallying an assist to his name for Bomelo’s goal against Polokwane City.
- Mduduzi Mdantsane: The dynamic midfielder has always been smart in positioning himself in the correct place to find pockets of space to unlock defences. Capable of scoring and assisting, acting as the link between midfield and attack, Mdantsane is an intelligent footballer.
RICHARDS BAY FC TEAM NEWS
Richards Bay will have the option of fielding both in-form striker Ntlonelo Bomelo together with the returning Yamela Mbuthuma, who has served his one-match suspension. Meanwhile, defender Lwandile Mabua remains doubtful after being forced off injured in the same match.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Stellenbosch FC, 4-1-4-1: Stephens; Jurgens, Toure, Moloisane, Mdaka; Nduli; Titus, Jabaar, Butsaka, Langelihle; De Jong.
Richards Bay, 4-2-3-1: Magoola; Dlamini, Allan, Mabua, Ndada; Mthembu, Mthethwa; Gumede, Bomelo, Mohlamme; Mbuthuma.
SUGGESTED BETS
For enthusiasts of the Betway Premiership, there are numerous betting opportunities available at the top-tier online betting sites.
Double Chance – Draw/Richards Bay: Going off recent form, Richards Bay to come away with at least a point looks a solid bet for punters. (125/100 with Betway) (123/100 with Stake) (122/100 with 1Win)
Double Chance and Total 3.5 – Draw/Richards Bay & Under 3.5: Three of the past five Betway Premiership matches between these teams has seen this bet come through with flying colours. (145/100 with Betway) (143/100 with Stake) (142/100 with 1Win)
Richards Bay FC To Win Either Half – Yes: In attempts to remove some element of risk, the Natal Rich Boys to win one half of football is a solid bet that still offers enough value. (120/100 with Betway) (115/100 with Stake) (117/100 with 1Win)
VALUE BETS
Both Teams to Score – Yes: Four of the last five league meetings between these sides would have seen this bet prove to be a winner. We suggest following the trend in this instance. (100/100 with Betway) (95/100 with Stake) (99/100 with 1Win)
1x2 & Both Teams To Score – Richards Bay FC & Yes: The best value bet could come with this lucrative option on offer. All of Richards Bay’s wins over Stellenbosch FC have been entertaining matches that ended 2-1 in favour of the Natal Rich Boys. (550/100 with Betway) (520/100 with Stake) (525/100 with 1Win)
Correct Score – 1-2: If you have a few coins left over from your midweek betting, we suggest throwing a few shillings at this option. (16/1 with Betway)
PREDICTION: RICHARDS BAY FC TO WIN
Stellenbosch have failed to impress and have struggled to find goals, which doesn’t bode well for the Maroons as they attempt to salvage their season by securing a spot in next season’s MTN8 tournament. Meanwhile, an in-form Richards Bay will be seeking to continue their excellent run of form to create more breathing room between themselves and the dreaded relegation zone.
Bryan Naicker is an enthusiastic sports writer, specializing in football and cricket. Completely in love with the quality of UEFA Champions League, Spanish La Liga and English Premier League football. However, been known to dabble in less popular leagues, providing previews, tips and analysis for various sports betting websites.
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