Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has maintained an optimistic outlook despite his side’s second consecutive defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
A 3-1 loss to RS Berkane at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday left Stellies rooted at the bottom of Group B without a point, following an earlier defeat to Stade Malien.
The Moroccan visitors dominated the match, with Youssef Zghoudi scoring twice and Reda Hajji adding a third.
Chumani Butsaka’s goal for Stellenbosch proved to be little more than a consolation.
Despite the setback, Barker remained determined, viewing the next match against Angola’s Lunda Sul as a pivotal moment. “I believe we can still qualify for the knockout stages. We are not out of this competition.
Our next game is a cup final for us,” he stated in the post-match press conference.
“We need to pick up points in the back-to-back games against Lunda Sul and Stade Malien at home on January 12. It’s not impossible to go away and get a result.
“We have to believe in ourselves,” Barker added.
Acknowledging his team’s inexperience in continental football, Barker emphasised the importance of growth. “At this level, playing against teams of this calibre, we’re learning and growing. It took Mamelodi Sundowns time to compete in this competition.
“This is a massive learning curve for us,” he explained.
Barker admitted that Stellies struggled in key moments, particularly in the final third. “We showed a lack of experience in handling certain situations. It’s about understanding how far we are from that level and what we need to do to get there.
“The team showed character, and that’s a positive to build on.”
Stellenbosch will travel to Angola to face Lunda Sul on Sunday, determined to secure their first points and keep their knockout stage hopes alive.