Stellenbosch have developed a terrible case of Timo Werner Syndrome and must shake it before they go out for their next game.
Steve Barker and his manne have gone 10 games without a PSL win and are just two points above the relegation playoff spot.
They had a little bit of luck this week when Chippa United failed to build on their lead against Bloemfontein Celtic.
For the time that Chippa were leading in their loss to Celtic, Stellies had dropped into the dreaded 15th spot.
And the Bolanders could still end up there at the end of the season if their luck doesn’t turn in front of goal their final two games.
That’s where young Ashley du Preez has been having a nightmare this season.
The 24-year-old is sukkeling to score.
Some might say he couldn’t score in a brothel.
But something has got to give in the next two weeks.
Barker has said that he believes that the youngster will come good.
He is missing kanse galore and if there is such a thing as the law of averages, then he should be the top scorer in the league next season – and sommer break the PSL goalscoring record while he is at it.
I’ve seen him miss some absolute sitters. And I really feel for him when his head drops.
Against Orlando Pirates last week, the poor Olympic hopeful looked a completely broken man.
After sending an effort wide from inside the six-yard box, he didn’t even react when a chance fell to him from a rebound a few minutes later.
And later on, after missing the initial tap-in, Stanley Dimgba just didn’t pass him the ball when he was open inside the box – he had lost trust in Du Preez.
That is a problem for Barker.
So often Du Preez is Stellies’ outball – any ball into space behind the opponent’s defence and the speedster is causing havoc with his spoed.
But his finishing is letting his team and himself down.
So quick is he, that he leaves almal in his wake, including his teammates.
I think he needs someone up there with him. Someone to cut back to.
So often he is alone when he tears away.
And I really feel that Barker has to make sure there is someone to go with him. Dimgba and Lelethu Skelem have the pace to keep up with him and must give him options.
Perhaps Du Preez should be running from deeper with a man on the last defender’s shoulder to break downfield with him.
Failing that, Du Preez needs more coaching for the moment he pulls the trigger.
He needs to be reminded to remain calm and aim for the right areas of the goal.
Maybe then Stellenbosch will finally break the drought and get the points they so desperately need to avoid a playoff battle.
Barker has been doing a great job to develop their style of play and turned them into a solid outfit in their two years in the top flight.
But to stay at this level and thrive they need to be more ruthless.
He has a young squad and the kids will take time to develop, however they need to show the hunger and ability to learn to get out of the trouble they are in.