Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says a top-three finish in the Betway Premiership is still on the card for them ahead of Usuthu clash.
The Cape Winelands team is gearing up for an important clash against AmaZulu this evening at Danie Craven Stadium, following a successful CAF Confederations Cup campaign which saw them book a spot in the semis after defeating Zamalek 1-0 on aggregate.
Stellies are currently fifth on the log with 35 points, having won 9, played 8 draws and suffered 5 losses in their opening 22 matches.
Usuthu, on the other hand, have shown significant improvement since Arthur Zwane took off and is currently sitting seventh on the log with 33 points.
Barker said his side is ready for the match and will draw inspiration from their recent successful Confederations Cup campaign.
“It’s a massive game for us in the league, it’s important for us to get points after the adjusted log,” he said in a video that was posted in the club’s social media platforms.
“We need to fight for that third position, which is important for us as we want to continue playing on the continent.
“It’s a massive game against a team that has turned their fortunes around this season. We are expecting a tough encounter. However, preparations have gone really well.
“The mood in the camp is really high after our success in reaching the semifinal of the confed, but we’re really cognizant of the fact that the league is very important for us,” he continued.
Barker acknowledged the stiffness of the competition in the top half, given the tight point gap from the third to the seventh position.
“It’s very tight at the top of the table, especially the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh positions even on AmaZulu.
“I’ve got ambitions, it is very important that at home we get maximum points and put ourselves in the position to finish in the top three,” concluded Barker.
The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 5-0 win for the Stellies. It remains to be seen whether or not they can replicate that performance.