Stellenbosch’s Barker predicts top-three battle

Photo Credit - Stellenbosch FC.

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has predicted the Betway Premiership top-three battle will be decided on the final day of the season.

The Stellies are currently vying with Sekhukhune United as they seek to make a return to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they had a fairytale run this season before being eliminated at the semi-final stage by Simba SC of Tanzania.

As it stands, Sekhukhune are sitting third with 45 points from 26 matches, one more than fourth-placed Stellenbosch. TS Galaxy are fifth with 34 points.

“It will go to the last game of the season for sure. They are also playing well, they are also picking up results, so you know both teams are applying pressure on each other. So, I do think it will go all the way to the wire,” said Barker, as quoted by SABC Sports.

Stellenbosch will next face Mamelodi Sundowns, who are leading the table and aiming to defend the title. Asked about the fixture, Barker said: “One of the best teams, if not the best team in Africa. So, we know that whenever we play Sundowns, we have to be at our best, tactically, technically.

“You have to execute your game plan really well, but even if you do that, they've got individual brilliance all around. So, a tough game, but we aim to be competitive against Sundowns.

“We also have to believe that we can go there and we can get a result. We want to show that we also want to slowly become a team that's challenging for league titles, being consistently good on the continent. So, it's this type of team like Sundowns that is a good benchmark to see where we are.”

The game against Sundowns will be at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday.