Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch will face Mamelodi Sundowns tonight at 7pm in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Stellenbosch enter the match in high spirits after a strong start to their season, having played four games, including a 3-1 win over TS Galaxy in the MTN8 quarterfinals and an 8-0 aggregate victory over Swazi Nsingizini Hotspurs in the CAF Confederation Cup.
In contrast, Sundowns have played only one game so far this season, a hard-fought 1-0 win against Polokwane City in extra time during the MTN8 quarterfinals.
Barker acknowledges the challenge ahead, recognising Sundowns’ strength, but he remains confident.
“They’ve really had one competitive game, so I think if there’s an opportunity [to beat them], it might be now before they settle and find sort of their best way forward and their best combinations,” said Barker.
“But in saying that, Sundowns have so much quality that even when they are a work in progress, they are [a] difficult team to play against.
“They are one of the best teams on the continent, a team full of Bafana Bafana players, so it goes without saying that if you want to get past a team like Sundowns, you have to perform at your maximum potential and your maximum capability.”
With the recent CAF Confederation Cup triumph boosting their morale, Stellenbosch are ready to take on the challenge.
“The mood in camp is really good, having come off two good wins, having qualified for the next preliminary stage of continental competition, so I think we can go into the game against Sundowns with a great sense of optimism,” Barker added.
“The players are really hungry and they have high desire to get the team to another final, so we are really looking forward to the challenge.
“If you want to be competing and winning, you will have to overcome the best teams available and Sundowns are the best currently. It’s a great challenge for us…one that you’ve to look forward to without fearing.”