Barker reflects on ‘advantage’ over Sundowns

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has urged his side not to become complacent ahead of their eagerly anticipated MTN8 second-leg semifinal clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Stellies have been one of the most active sides in South African football in recent weeks, having competed in both the CAF Confederations Cup and MTN8 tournaments during the month of August.

In the first meeting between the two sides in this year’s instalment of the MTN8 semifinals, Fawaaz Basadien’s 62nd minute penalty separated the two sides at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Prior to Stellies’ win against Sundowns, the Cape Winelands side bagged compressive 3-0 and 5-0 victories against Nsingizini Hotspurs (Home and away) in the CAF Confederations Cup.

The Brazilians on the other hand, have been less active than their PSL counterparts during the early stages of the 2024/25 campaign.

Sundowns commenced their local football schedule with a slender 1-0 win against Polokwane City in the MTN8 Quarterfinals on the 11th of August, as Thabang Matuludi’s 102nd minute own-goal gifted the Chloorkop side a ticket to the semifinals of the showpiece.

WHAT WAS SAID

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker

“To go to the home leg, away from home, is a big advantage for us. We are very, very mindful that it’s only halftime, and we are up against a very good team,” Barker mentioned.

“Our tactical awareness and discipline were spot-on. I knew that we were going to suffer during periods of the game. The players knew it, and I knew it.

“But that period of suffering united us as a team and showed our character. The job is not done, whatsoever.”

Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi

“I do see what we are trying to achieve. I do see the team getting stronger as we progress and I do see the team achieving more than we achieved last season,” Mngqithi said.

“I just felt that we did not want to grab control of the game and we didn’t capitalise on the challenges they had in the wide channels. I think Terrence was open in the beginning of the first half but we were not rotating the ball enough to get into those areas. When we did get into those areas, we always looked potent and I’m very optimistic that we are on the right track.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Stellenbosch FC – Sihle Nduli: As the heartbeat for Stellenbosch in the middle of the park, Nduli could be in for a busy afternoon against a well-drilled Downs midfield department. With both sides known to play an attractive possession-based style of football, Nduli will be crucial in disrupting play in the nucleus of the pitch.

Mamelodi Sundowns – Iqraam Rayners: The Bafana Bafana international was not part of Sundowns’ matchday squad that faced his former side last week but could well be included in Mngqithi’s plans this weekend. Stellenbosch will have to keep a keen eye on the elusive striker’s movement in and around the 18-yard-area, while Stellies will know exactly what to expect from the 28-year-old should he feature on Sunday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Previous Cup meetings

2020/21 Nedbank Cup, L32 Sundowns 3-2* Stellenbosch

2022/23 Nedbank Cup, QF Stellenbosch 2-1 Sundowns

2023/24 Nedbank Cup, SF Stellenbosch 1-2 Sundowns

2024/25 MTN8, SF, first leg Sundowns 0-1 Stellenbosch

*After extra time