Stellenbosch FC Regain Third Spot After Beating SuperSport United
If you blinked, you might’ve missed a game that’s shaking up the business end of this season’s Betway Premiership. Stellenbosch FC walked away with a nail-biting 2-1 victory over SuperSport United at Danie Craven Stadium on May 17, 2025. For both teams, this wasn’t just another fixture—every point mattered, and the tension showed from the opening whistle.
Sanele Barns kicked things off in style for Stellenbosch, netting the opener just 15 minutes in. This early strike put SuperSport on the back foot, setting the tempo for a match filled with pressure and missed chances on both sides. Stellenbosch, still reeling from a bruising 3-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns just a week earlier, didn’t let that setback define them. Instead, they bounced back and found another gear when it mattered most.
SuperSport United, coming in unbeaten in four league outings, were looking to keep their nose above water in a stressful relegation battle. But you could tell their back line was jittery. Once Stellenbosch spotted that, they pressed harder, forcing the errors that would ultimately decide the match. Another lapse at the back allowed the hosts to double their lead, making SuperSport’s task even harder.
Crucial Implications for Both Ends of the Table
The win couldn’t have come at a better time for Stellenbosch, who are now firmly planted in third and dreaming of continental competition next year. With only a couple of matches left, this puts them within reach of the big stage in Africa. Coach Steve Barker’s men showed, once again, how to grind out vital results even when recent form has been patchy—remember, they also demolished Golden Arrows 3-0 not long ago.
SuperSport United’s situation, though, has taken a turn for the worse. With just 26 points from 28 games, they’re staring right at the threat of playoffs for survival. Their inability to close the gaps at the back proved costly, erasing the momentum built from previous draws and wins. You could see the frustration mounting with every missed opportunity to get back in the game. Even though they pulled one back late on, desperation crept in, and Stellenbosch didn’t flinch under the late pressure.
- Stellenbosch FC: Back up to third, gathering form when it matters.
- SuperSport United: Relegation playoff fears now front and center, a defense under real scrutiny.
- Sanele Barns: Early opener was key to shifting the game’s momentum.
- Remaining fixtures: Both sides now face must-win matches in the run-in.
The big story here isn’t just about the three points, but about teams heading in very different directions as the season draws to a close. Stellenbosch smell European nights on the horizon, while SuperSport are scrambling to steer out of danger with time ticking away.