Stellenbosch have been given a moerse four-player boost for their PSL test at Bloem Celtic on Saturday as Steve Barker also returns to the dugout.
The seventh-placed Bolanders are looking to consolidate their position in the top-eight of the league this season and win their first away game of the year after picking four points from the opening six at home.
Barker is back to take charge after missing the opening two games of 2021 because he was in self-isolation following his exposure to a positive Covid-19 case.
He can call on skipper Robyn Johannes, fellow defender Zitha Macheke and attacking duo Junior Mendieta and Lelethu Skelem.
He says of the clash: “Bloem Celtic are a team with good attacking combinations and will give us problem if we allow them time and space.
“But if we play to our potential, we have a good opportunity to get a good result. We have big ambitions.”
Despite having a number of players back, influential leftback Marc van Heerden dislocated a shoulder in their 1-1 draw with Black Leopards last time out.
Johannes, though, is positive the squad has the depth to deal with the setback.
He adds: “Marc’s an important member of the team... but we have a capable squad and it also gives opportunity to others.”
Of Celtic, he says: “Celtic is a good team, so we’re not naive about the challenge. But we have to go into this game confidently and make sure we get a positive result.”