Stellenbosch FC will kick off their CAF Confederations Cup group stage campaign by taking on Malian side Stade Malien this evening starting at 18:00.
The Cape Winelands team qualified for the group stages of the competition after defeating the Eswatini side 8-0 on aggregate and followed that up by eliminating AS Vita Club from the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-1 on aggregate.
They had an impressive 2023-24 season finishing third on the log and lifting the Carling Knockout Cup, their first trophy on the top flight.
This is their first appearance in the competition since gaining promotion, they have been drawn to Group B with their opponents tonight, RS Berkane from Morocco and Angolan team CD Lunda Sul.
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker admitted that they have been pitted against tough opponents in their group but will give it their all to try and win the trophy. He added that he is confident in his players and that they can survive the group stages and make it to the knockout rounds.
“Our objective is to win the cup… We’ve got really good players in our team and we believe that we can win the group stages. Our first objective is to make the knockout stages and we’ve got a difficult group. Barker told the media.
Stellies are the only South African team in the competition as Sekhukhune United were eliminated before reaching the group stages. The 56-year-old admitted the tough task ahead but remains adamant that they remain fearless and will fight tooth and nail.
They parted ways with several key players, including striker Iqraam Rayners, who is now on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns. Former captain Deano van Rooyen was picked up by Orlando, while Antonio Van Wyk signed with SV Ried in Austria.
“It’s not going to be easy and we understand that we know that, and we respect that. We don’t have fear, I believe we’ve got nothing to lose and it’s our first opportunity, we’ve got to be brave, be courageous and give it our best shot,”