Lehlohonolo Majoro backs Stellenbosch despite league struggles

Stellenbosch’s league form may be raising eyebrows, but former Bafana Bafana striker Lehlohonolo Majoro insists there is no cause for alarm ahead of their MTN8 final clash against Orlando Pirates next weekend.

Steve Barker’s side have endured a stuttering start to the Betway Premiership campaign, losing three of their opening five matches.

Their return of just four points leaves them in 13th position, far below the standards they set in recent seasons. But Majoro, who has closely observed Stellies’ rise, believes their path is carefully mapped out and not defined by short-term bumps.

“We wouldn’t be talking about Stellenbosch heading to yet another final if there was anything to worry about or if they don’t have the right balance,” Majoro said.

The Western Cape outfit have proven themselves as cup specialists, reaching the MTN8 showpiece for the second consecutive year. For Majoro, this is no accident but the result of deliberate planning on and off the pitch.

“I think everything that’s done by Stellenbosch is calculated and they don’t just decide rashly who they’re going to sell without having a replacement already set up,” he explained.

This season, Stellies have once again seen key players depart, a recurring theme in their model of balancing competitiveness with sustainability. Yet, despite such setbacks, they continue to produce results in knockout competitions, a testament to their long-term approach.

Majoro is particularly impressed with the club’s development structures, which he says are among the best in the country.

“I believe they’ve done a tremendous job and a lot of teams can learn a lot from them in terms of development because it’s one of the teams that facilitate development in the country and they have the facilities for it as well.”

Stellenbosch’s academy has produced a steady stream of talent, seamlessly integrated into Barker’s first team. 

Youngsters like Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Devin Titus have become key figures, while others are making the step up with little disruption to the team’s rhythm.

“The relationship the first team coach and the reserve team is also another factor that should be commended because their communication makes it easy for these youngsters to get promoted and they fit like gloves and that’s due to the telepathic communication in there,” Majoro said.

That cohesion between youth and senior football is one of Stellies’ hallmarks, ensuring the club’s identity is maintained even when stars move on.

While their league position tells a story of early-season inconsistency, the upcoming MTN8 final offers a chance for redemption and silverware. 

Pirates, last season’s winners, stand in their way once again, but Stellenbosch will draw confidence from their ability to rise to big occasions.

For Majoro, the club’s journey is a blueprint for others. Despite the struggles in the league, he argues that Stellenbosch’s foundation, philosophy, and calculated decision-making remain intact.

As the MTN8 final looms, Stellies may be underdogs, but in Majoro’s eyes, they are anything but a club in crisis.