For the third season running, Stellenbosch FC arrive as direct rivals to Sekhukhune in the race for the upper reaches of the table - but this time the contest comes with a major subplot, as Gavin Hunt takes charge of the Cape Winelands outfit for the first time.

Babina Noko are in far healthier shape. Eric Tinkler's side sit third on the log with 25 points from 13 matches and remain firmly in the title conversation. An unbeaten home record has underpinned their campaign, with the Peter Mokaba Stadium again proving a difficult venue for visiting teams.

That consistency has not prevented Sekhukhune from strengthening. The mid-season break brought the arrivals of Lebo Phiri, Amede Tidiane Diomande and striker Lehlohonolo Bradley Mojela - a signing that adds extra edge to this fixture. Mojela joins from Stellenbosch, where injuries curtailed his impact, and could face his former club just weeks after making the move north.

Stellenbosch, by contrast, arrive searching for stability. After eight and a half years under Steve Barker, the club enters a new chapter under Hunt, one of South African football's most decorated coaches. The four-time Premiership winner inherits a side languishing in 14th place with just 12 points from 14 games and hovering above the relegation zone.

Changes have been swift. Stellenbosch have lost Mojela and Andre de Jong but moved to bolster their squad with Mosa Lebusa, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Kobamelo Kodisang and free-agent right-back Wayde Jooste. Hunt's immediate challenge will be to organise a team that has struggled for consistency, particularly away from home.

Recent history adds intrigue. Stellenbosch have finished above Sekhukhune in each of the last two seasons and eliminated them from the MTN8 earlier this campaign. Tinkler's personal record against Stellies - just one regulation-time win in 13 meetings - underlines how tricky this matchup has been.

Tactically, Sekhukhune's strength lies in defensive discipline, conceding just 0.5 goals per game this season, while Stellenbosch have been involved in a series of low-scoring contests. Hunt may prioritise structure on debut, while the hosts will look to control territory and make home advantage count.

With Sekhukhune pushing to stay in touch at the summit and Stellenbosch seeking a fresh start under new leadership, Tuesday's clash could prove pivotal for both sides.

Mamelodi Sundowns refocus on Betway Premiership battle as Richards Bay loom