Stellenbosch FC beating Kaizer Chiefs not about a grudge – Barker

Stellenbosch FC’s coach Steve Barker says beating Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout cup on Sunday was not about having a grudge against them.

The Western Cape-based team had endured tough meetings with Amakhosi, often times playing second fiddle to them.

🗣️ “We do things our way, the Stellenbosch way. We’re a team that’s difficult to play against, hard to beat, and I think we demonstrated that…”

Here’s what coach Steve Barker had to say after last night’s #CarlingKnockout win over Kaizer Chiefs ⬇️

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) October 6, 2025

However, Stellenbosch finally found a way to outsmart the Glamour Boys, edging them 5-4 on post-match penalties. The round-of-16 victory took the 2025 MTN8 finalists to the Carling Knockout quarterfinals.

While delighted to beat the fancied opponents, Barker said his focus was seeing his team’s improved performance at DHL Stadium. The game went into extra-time before going into post-match penalties.

Barker said: “I’m never one who holds grudges or looks to beat a team because of 1-2-3, but I had a strong sense, and the message was to the players that this is an opportunity for some redemption. You know, we’ve had close calls, we’ve had red cards go against us in tight. ”

How have Stellenbosch FC performed against Kaizer Chiefs so far?

Stellenbosch, who lost thrice to the Soweto giants last season and once this campaign, seem to be finding their feet, according to their coach.

“The effort the players put in, the commitment, the unity, and the togetherness that they showed out there is exactly what we need to continue to do. We do things our way, the Stellenbosch way. We’re a team that’s difficult to play against, hard to beat, and I think we demonstrated that today,” Barker added.

“I still think in terms of progress, we need to just find ways to create better, clearer opportunities to threaten the opposition goal more. But I’m just really proud of the effort that the players put into this 120 minutes.”

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