Matthew Rowell talks about the anticipated Kaizer Chiefs showdown
"It's a great occasion for us to show our talent," says Stellenbosch FC defender Matthew Rowell
We had a chat to him about his time at Ajax Cape Town where he spent 10 years of his football career before moving to Stellenbosch FC which was formerly known as Vasco Da Gama FC; and his thoughts on their biggest match on Saturday (11 March) when they take on Amakhosi who boast 13-time Nedbank Cup wins.
The L.A Dosage: You used to play for Ajax Cape Town. Tell us briefly about your time there.
Matthew Rowell: Ajax is a great club, with the best academy in South Africa in my opinion. I was taught everything there when I was young. I was there for about 10 years and I'm here today in my football career because of them.
The L.A Dosage: How different is it from your current club (Stellenbosch FC)?
Matthew Rowell: I don't think there is much difference anymore because where we are based is just like PSL clubs from the gym, football pitch to the lunches and all that so I feel like I'm in a professional setup at all times. So there's not much difference.
The L.A Dosage: Do you feel like you have been prepared enough for the big stage, working with Troughton (Sammy) and Barker (Steve)?
Matthew Rowell: Yes, I feel like we prepared and focused enough for this big match. But I think us as players already know that we must be prepared for this game . Now it's just to follow what our coaches give us on the day and stick to it. Great coaches and I'm happy to be coached by them.
The L.A Dosage: What has made Stellenbosch FC, the best of Cape teams in the National First Division (NFD)?
Matthew Rowell: I think the setup is one thing and I just think we have so much talent in our squad. I don't think it's just the starting 11, it's the whole 25-man squad that compete and encourage each other. So we are a good team with a great structure.
The L.A Dosage: With that said, do you dream of playing in the PSL again in the near future, which would be your dream club and how long do you think you need to be back there?
Matthew Rowell: Yes I hope to return to the PSL very soon. I wish to be there with my current club Stellenbosch FC. It's a great club and I don't think a lot of people know enough about us yet. We have the talent to compete in the PSL. I think we can get promoted this season with the rate we are going but if not then definitely next season.
Matthew Rowell: It's a great occasion for us to show our talent. Of course, we are playing against a very good team with quality players but they are beatable. It's also good to show people who Stellenbosch FC are; new club with a winning mentality.
The L.A Dosage: What do you think the team will require in order to win against Amakhosi?
Matthew Rowell: The team will require a solid performance from every player, do what the coaches tell us and take it onto the field. If we stop them from scoring then we definitely have a good chance of winning. We need to take our chances as well and be able to convert them. We might not get a lot but when we do we need to score.
The L.A Dosage: Ending on a lighter note, what's your score prediction?
Matthew Rowell: If we don't let them score then we can definitely score. I'll say 1-0 Stellenbosch.😉
Stellenbosch FC vs Kaizer Chiefs will be live from the Athlone stadium. Kick off is set for 20:15.
The rest of the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 matches set to take place on Saturday, 11 March:
Jomo Cosmos vs United Rovers - 15:00
FC Cape Town vs Baroka FC - 15:00
Kwadukuza United vs Ajax Cape Town - 15:00
Buya Msuthu vs Bloemfontein Celtic - 15:00
Free State Stars vs Highlands Park - 20:15
Till next time. . .
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