Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker says he and his team are desperate for a return to African club competition next season because it allows them a higher standard of opponent that is of great benefit to their domestic form.
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Stellenbosch reached the African Confederation Cup semifinal in their debut foray into Africa this season and Saturday’s 2-1 home win over SuperSport United in the Betway Premiership maneuvered them into pole position for a return to the competition.
Victory secured 💪
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 17, 2025
Stellenbosch FC 2️⃣–1️⃣ SuperSport Utd pic.twitter.com/VFCvcy9sCS
The third placed finisher in this season’s league race qualifies for the Confederation Cup, along with the Nedbank Cup winner Kaizer Chiefs.
Stellenbosch were fourth before the penultimate matchday on Saturday but Sekhukhune’s 1-1 draw with Chiefs allowed Stellenbosch to go above them by one point in the Betway Premiership standings.
Barker’s side will make sure of third place if they win next Saturday’s derby against Cape Town City on the last matchday of the league season.
“I think we all as coaches and players want to be playing against top opposition, the best on the continent and have the experience of playing against teams like Zamalek or the experience of playing against Simba (Tanzania),” he told Supersport.com
“For me, it is just really special, and I think the players enjoyed it. Yes, obviously, it makes it tough but at the end of the day, we are professionals, and we want to play football and want to play as many games as we can because if you're doing that, you are being successful.”
Saturday’s victory over SuperSport was the 50th game of the season for Stellenbosch, who also got to the MTN8 final at the start of the season.
“In our first season (in African club competition), we learned a lot of lessons and I think going into it again, we would be a better prepared and we also have a desire to win any competition that we played,” Barker added.
The coach said many lessons were learnt on their African travels and made them a better side in the domestic competitions.
“I think it's just made us a little bit smarter, wiser and more able to assert game management.
“I’ve always said (Mamelodi) Sundowns have an advantage in our league because of the very experience they’ve gained over many years (in African club competition), so we gained a bit of that experience too.
“Obviously we’re not as experienced as them, but hopefully we can learn quickly. I just think it gives you that feel of playing it against big teams and there's no reason why we can't believe we can continue to challenge at the top,” Barker conclude.