African experience proves its value for Stellenbosch

A first season of competing in African club competition is already showing its value for Stellenbosch, according to coach Steve Barker as they ready for their opening game of the Betway Premiership at home to Lamontville Golden Arrows on Wednesday.

Stellenbosch qualified for the African Confederation Cup after finishing third in the league last season and have already played three matches in the competition, advancing easily through a first round tie against Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini with an 8-0 aggregate scoreline and then last Friday beating AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 in the first leg of their second round tie.

They go away to Kinshasa for the return match on Sunday but before that get their league campaign underway at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday against Arrows.

“The value is massive. It's a good feeling to experience something different,” Barker said of competing in continental competition.

Barker said analysis of their foreign opponents proved difficult but that it was also an exciting challenge for both him and his players.

“Going into a game and knowing that in the first 10 minutes, you're going to have to quickly figure things out,” he explained.

“For the players when they play locally, they generally know what their opponent is usually going to do but now they have to figure out things quickly. Is my opponent left footed, right footed, quick, not quick? What's his strengths? How do they play?

“So, yeah, that was great, and it allows us to hopefully take this experience that we're gaining also into the league. I just think it's a really massive learning curve, probably more learning off the field and on the field, to be honest, but that's also good for us.”

Stellenbosch have also reached the final of the MTN8 against Orlando Pirates next month, winning all six games they have played this season with a single goal conceded.