Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker is determined to harness his team’s limited experience in CAF competitions as a catalyst for their aspirations in the Nedbank Cup.
The Western Cape-based club is gearing up to face Polokwane City this Thursday in a pivotal Round of 16 clash in the highly anticipated Ke Yona tournament, set to take place at the iconic Danie Craven Stadium.
This matchup presents an important opportunity for Stellenbosch to advance further and make a significant impact in the competition.
As the club embarks on its cup campaign this season, it is also navigating uncharted territory in continental football. For the first time in their history, Stellenbosch has advanced to the knockout stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, marking a historic achievement for the team.
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Barker’s squad, brimming with ambition, is aiming to add a second cup trophy to their collection after securing the Carling Knockout Cup last season. The team is eager to build on their success and continue their upward trajectory both domestically and internationally.
“It’s five games to get to the final. And again, the Nedbank Cup also offers the opportunity to play in Africa,” Barker was quoted as saying by IOL.
Barker believes that the experience of African football has prepared his players to understand two potential routes to continental competition: either finishing in the top three of the league or winning the Nedbank Cup.
“We are desperate to reach another quarter-final, with the draw on the 20th for the Confed Cup. Once we’ve tasted it and come so close, I think we’ve learned and found consistency in cup competitions. But also understanding that it doesn’t just happen.”\