Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker is convinced that the Nedbank Cup semifinal exit to Mamelodi Sundowns has laid the groundwork ahead of their league clash on Saturday, as he bullishly claimed they could beat the champions.
With Stellenbosch falling to a surprise 2-0 defeat against Moroka Swallows in their last DSTV Premiership match last week, Barker was positive they could return to winning ways when they host the Brazilians at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Sundowns ended Stellies’ 24-match unbeaten run in all competitions following the 2-1 win in the Nedbank semifinal two weeks ago.
That loss opened the floodgates with the Cape Town side now winless in three matches. They also recorded a goalless stalemate against AmaZulu in their last home fixture.
“It (losing to Swallows) is a blow but we’ve got to keep at it and there’s no reason we can’t beat Sundowns at home. Obviously a tough task (to defeat Sundowns), they’re really a good team. But I thought we did enough in the semifinal (Stellenbosch eventually lost 2-1) to get a sense for that match.
“The key is to just get back the energy and the spark and push for two more matches. Pirates still have got to do the job and they’re also playing against a team desperate for points (Richards Bay) so let’s see how it pans out,” Barker told the media.
The Cape Winelands side will still qualify for CAF Inter-club competitions next season regardless of the results in their remaining two matches.
The race for second position is heating up with just a single point separating Stellies from third-placed Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers were beaten 1-0 by relegation-battling Richards Bay on Saturday, a result that boosted survival hopes for the Natal Richboyz.
Barker also praised his players for raising their levels in all competitions they were participating in this season.
Stellies fell in the semifinal hurdle against Orlando Pirates in the MTN 8 before lifting the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup after beating TS Galaxy in the final showdown.
The Stellies mentor insists they have achieved beyond their expectations this season.
“If you would have told me at the start of the season we would be in every single semifinal the league offered and won a trophy and finished third in the league, I would have probably not believed you. Regardless of whether we finish second or third it was really a fantastic season for us.
“We also basically played in every single match this season except the final of the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. By the time the league ends we would have played 41 matches, which is a bit uncommon for us as a team but it’s a good precursor to what lies ahead for us.
“One learns from these situations and we’ll do our homework and speak to clubs that have been there [in continental football] and prepare ourselves appropriately to mitigate for any challenges that will be in our way,” Barker added.
