Both delight and caution for Stellies coach

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker was delighted with his side’s brisk start to the first leg of their Caf Confederation Cup second-round tie against AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Cape Town on Friday (2-0 victory) but concerned about their failure to press home the advantage. 

Stellenbosch were 2-0 up after only 12 minutes as both Thabo Moloisane and Lehlogonolo Mojela scored, but they failed to add more goals despite numerous chances.

It is still a decent lead to take to Kinshasa for next weekend’s return leg, said Barker.

“Obviously I’m really pleased with the performance again and the result. We had a really good start to the match. That was the idea and plan that we needed to really start with the energy that we have and we like to play with. Fortunately, we're able to get the early advantage,” he said.

It was Stellenbosch’s third-ever match in African club competition after they had easily eliminated Nsingizini Hotspurs from Eswatini in the first round.

“I felt we dominated the majority of the match, especially the rest of the first half after the two goals. We didn't concede a shot on target. I think they may have only had one corner. We're a little bit unlucky to press on with advantage and get maybe a third goal in the second half,” added Barker.

“I think they came out a little bit better, keeping the ball, and maybe we just sat back a little bit too much, or when we had possession, we just gave it back too easily. But in saying that, we probably created some really big chances in the second half. We created enough chances to have get the third goal and that would have been big pressure on Vita in a return leg.

“So I’m a little bit disappointed that we weren't able to get the third and maybe even the fourth after a dominant performance. But to keep a clean sheet, I think was key, because obviously going away now means that if we score just a single goal when we go that side, we put them in a position where they would have to score four. So that is good for us, but by no means is the tie over. I think we all know it's going to be tough in Congo when we go there … an intimidating environment.”

PSL OPENER BEFORE RETURN LEG

Stellenbosch leave for Kinshasa on Friday and will play the second leg on Sunday.

But before that, they will open their league campaign at home against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Wednesday. The match is being played at Athlone Stadium.

“Once we've come through that game we’ll see where we at. Just look at the health of the squad, and then determine how we approach the next leg. But yeah, very pleased once again. Six win on the trot, five clean sheets in a row. That’s good start to our season. It's just now obviously continuing and maintaining that level,” the Stellenbosch coach said.