Stellenbosch can beat Mamelodi Sundowns—Barker
- Peter Kanjere
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has boldly declared that he fancies his side to beat Betway Premiership champions-elect Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday.
Barker spoke to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on their winning prospects in the Betway Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.
“They have a lot of quality all around the pitch. Yes, we have had some recent success against them, but we’ve got to continue to plan and prepare well, and believe that we can get a result,” Barker told SABC Sport.
“We never go into a game not believing that we can win it, so we play with the confidence of a team that has prepared well to give ourselves the best chance.”
The Stellies coach said his team needs maximum points to consolidate their chances of competing in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup. The Western Cape Town-based side had an impressive debut in the continental competition after reaching the semi-finals.
Barker said his team had gained experience from competing against the best in the CAF Confederation Cup.
“We have played a lot of games, but we’ve also learned to deal with playing often, and when you play a team like Sundowns, there will always be energy in the legs and commitment from the players to give their best,” Barker added.
“If you don’t, it makes an already difficult task even more difficult. We’re fighting as hard as we can to finish in third position. It’s most likely going to come down to the last game of the season, but we’re determined to do the best we can in pursuit of the nine points still to play for.”
Stellenbosch FC stunned neutrals in Africa after qualifying for the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, following a stunning win over holders Zamalek. They currently sit 4th in the league, one point behind Sekhukhune United with a game in hand, and in a close battle for one of South Africa's two spots at the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup.
