Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker feels his players are become more battle hardened and are learning to win games where they do not create many chances, like Thursday’s 1-0 home triumph overt Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership.
Victory lifted Stellenbosch to fourth in the standings and gave them a confidence boost before they take on Gallants again on Sunday in their Carling Knockout quarterfinal in Bloemfontein.
“We’ve tried build that mentality that you're not always going to play at your best, and you're not always going to be fluent, but you can still find ways to win football games,” explained Barker after Thabo Moloisane’s header from a 75th minute corner ensured all three points.
“This was one of them, I think Richards Bay last weekend was a similar game, but we didn't find a way, so it was important for us to bounce back from that.
“Look at a team like (Mamelodi) Sundowns last season, there were some games where they weren't at their best, but they won and just kept accumulating points,” he said.
“We just have to keep at the task and also, I think, from the bench, we need to be brave enough to try and affect the game and be positive, especially games like this at home. You may lose one or two along the way, but, you know, you rather lose two and win two instead of drawing four.”
Barker felt although Stellenbosch dominated the game at the Cape Town Stadium, they did not create enough clearcut chances.
“They sat a little bit deep and denied us space. So, it was our responsibility to try and unlock them and find different ways to create the chances. Although we had really good possession, it was not converted into enough chances,” he said.
“At halftime I encouraged the players to keep up the tempo, keep up the intensity, keep moving the ball around, and eventually, hopefully things will start opening up. But sometimes, you know, you try your best to create chances and score goals through open play. But that didn't happen for us but we got a goal from a set piece. But I do think we created a lot of corners and were rewarded with that goal.”
Barker said he was pleased with the way his cub, whom were third last season, had begun the new campaign.
“It has been a good start to the season. I think if you take it overall, it was our 15th game. We've only lost two, one in the (MTN8) final, which was a bit unfortunate, and then the (Lamontville Golden) Arrows game at home, where we actually played well.
“It's just about maintaining that sort of intensity and the way we like to play. You know, time will tell over the season gets longer and that. But for now, we're a young, exuberant team, that wants to be successful and punching above our weight, and we continue to do that. So, credit to the players. A lot of the new players that have come in have settled in really well,” the coach added.