Back to business of Stellies after cup success

A decent rest after their Carling Knockout success has put Stellenbosch in a positive mindset for the last league game of the year as they visit Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premiership on Friday.

It is the second time they play against Pirates in Soweto this season, having beaten them 1-0 in the MTN8 semifinal second leg in September but failing to reach the final after Pirates advanced on the away goals rule.

But Stellenbosch did finally reach a cup final and went onto win the Carling Knockout earlier this month, beating TS Galaxy on post-match penalties.

After time off to celebrate, they have returned to work as coach Steve Barker explained: “After the high of winning the Carling Knockout, it was important for us to enjoy the moment but it’s now equally important to get back to zero.

“We have a big encounter on Friday when we go back to league football, and we want to show the consistency of a team challenging at the right end of the table by doing as well as we have been in the cup competitions.”

Stellenbosch go into the game in fifth place in the DStv Premiership standings, only two points behind fourth placed Pirates but with a game in hand. It will be live on SuperSport at 8pm

“Winning the Carling Knockout has been a massive boost and crowns a period where we have shown good form with an unbeaten streak and by winning a run of matches in the league,” said Barker.

“Confidence and belief within the squad is high, but it’s important to understand that every game has its own challenges and that there will be challenges that we need to overcome.

“At the same time, if we play to our full and potential and do what we are capable of doing, then we can go there with that confidence that we can get maximum points.”

“There are a lot of things that Pirates do well as a team and what they try to achieve, so it’s about knowing what they are capable of doing and trying to find ways to negate that.”

Stellenbosch beat Pirates at home in their opening league game of the season.

“It is our fourth match against each other this season so it helps when you do know your opposition and what they’re good at, while being aware of the many match-winners they have in their team.

“Apart from their last result, they’ve also been on a decent run in the league, so it helps when you have an idea of what plans to put into place to counteract that because you have to know where their weaknesses are, and where we can apply pressure and put them on the back foot,” added Barker.