Betway Premiership: Barker explains Stellenbosch FC’s big relief

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has explained what Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants meant to the Western Cape-based side.

The 2024-2025 CAF Confederation Cup semi-finalists have had an up-and-down performance in the Betway Premiership this season.

Barker’s men have picked four points from four games and lie 11th in the standings. The Stellies started the season with a 2-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs then dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Magesi FC followed by a 1-0 defeat by Orlando Pirates.

For all their slow start, Barker’s men finally got their deserved first maximum points of the 2025-2026 Betway Premiership campaign, thanks to Langelihle Phiri’s 46th minute goal.

Relief was, therefore, a prevalent emotion for Stellenbosch after the final whistle. Their players celebrated like they had won a trophy.

In a post-match interview, Barker explained why his players reacted that way to a single win in the league marathon.

“In the league, we haven’t got enough points that we would have wanted, so today it was a massive win for us,” the coach told SuperSport Television.

“We knew it would be tough, but the players dug deep, they showed character and resilience and that is maybe why there was a lot of relief at the end of the game.”

Barker added: “I knew how important it was for us to get a positive result. Any journey and any mountain that you climb, you have to make that first step. Hopefully, this is a step in the right direction.”

The coach admitted that the going is getting tougher as their next league opponents are Mamelodi Sundowns who they meet this weekend.

“It doesn’t get easier with Sundowns on Saturday, but we showed today that we can win under not easy circumstances in terms of the pitch and the opposition. We defended with a lot of heart and commitment and a well earned three points,” he added.

Stellenbosch’s cup form has been impressive though. They beat AmaZulu in the MTN8 quarter final before eliminating Sekhukhune United in the semifinals over two legs to date Orlando Pirates in the final. Barker’s men have reached this cup’s final for the second consecutive season.