Matsi looking forward to his battle with former team-mate Jali

Stellenbosch FC midfielder Mpho Matsi is looking forward to a battle with Mamelodi Sundowns' Andile Jali in the middle of the park when the teams square off in an Absa Premiership clash on Wednesday.

Matsi and Jali were teammates for an exciting Pretoria University side that made it all the way to the Nedbank Cup final in 2009.

Jali was snapped up by Orlando Pirates after that season while Matsi stayed on at the club before joining Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2015.

Both have since moved on to different clubs and will be key players when Stellenbosch and Sundowns meet in a vital encounter at the Athlone Stadium.

Matsi said in quotes published on the SowetanLIVE website: "It's a challenge that will be exciting and interesting.

"As a footballer, you always want to test yourself and Andile is, without doubt, one of the top midfielders in the country.

"I will have to be at my best on the night and do as much as I can.

"Of course, they have a star-studded team and have many other quality players who we will have to be careful of."

Kick-off is at 19:30.

- TEAMtalk media