Smiso Msomi
Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has refused to let his side’s impressive thumping win in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round go to his head.
Barker oversaw his men’s cruise to a 3-0 win over eSwatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, in what was their first match in the CAF competition.
From what could be made out of the game, Stellies are a couple of levels above their opponents in this fixture and they demonstrated that by winning every aspect of the encounter in Durban.
We'll take a three-goal advantage into next weekend's second leg after a professional performance in Durban 💪
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 17, 2024
Read the match report below ↓
With the second leg set to take place in the same stadium next weekend, the experienced coach has waved away any suggestions that the fixture might be sealed with their three-goal buffer.
“One thing that we need to understand is that the tie is not over,” Barker said. “The game is not finished, it’s only half-time. We have to come out next week and show the same character and attitude towards the game.
“I can anticipate that our opponents will really come out for it because they have nothing to lose. They need to try to get themselves back into the tie, so we expect another tough game, as was the case today.
“We’re looking forward to it, though, and we’ve got a week of preparation ahead. We’ll get back to Cape Town, get a bit of refreshment and regeneration, and then prepare for next week.”
The Cape Winelands-based outfit have had to deal with a couple of their key players being head-hunted by so-called big clubs in recent weeks.
🌍 Stellies' first CAF match
💪 Captain's armband
💯 100th appearance
🚫 Clean sheet
👊 Impressive win
A day to remember for Sage Stephens 👏 pic.twitter.com/rZoySAnBFg
Iqraam Rayners and vice-captain Deano Van Rooyen joined Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Barker was forced to throw 20-year-old midfielder Kyle Jurgens into the right-back slot vacated by Van Rooyen while off-season arrival Bradley Mojela led the line up front.
The pair had what will probably be their best games in the maroon of Stellies and although it may be premature to state, slotted perfectly into the team’s system and philosophy. Barker praised his team for displaying a strong mentality not only on the day but in the build-up during the week as well.
He acknowledged that the loss of their two key players was a huge blow but viewed it as an opportunity to unravel more diamonds in the dust as they’ve done in recent seasons.
“One of our key success factors as a football club is resilience and that’s the ability to bounce back after a setback, and losing players like Rayners and Van Rooyen is never easy,” he said.
“But at the same time, it provides opportunities for others. We’ve got a good group of young and talented footballers who want to play and be successful so it was a great response from the players. Life goes on and we have to find different ways now to still win football matches without those players.”