Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker called on his span to produce another giant-killing performance against PSL holders and runaway leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday at 7.30pm.
Buoyed by a 1-0 weekend win at Orlando Pirates as they missed out on a chance to face Downs in MTN8 final on away goals, Barker believes his manne can kick on in league and him improve on their 13th position on the PSL log with just seven points from seven games.
The Brazilians, meanwhile, have a perfect win record after their seven league games.
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â Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 27, 2023
đ Stellenbosch FC
â° 19H30
đ Lucas Moripe Stadium
đş SS 209
đ https://t.co/grl6mLW5pg#Sundowns #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/qeV5qini2v
But Barker insists his manne donât skrik for Masandawana, who they stunned in the last seasonâs Nedbank Cup quarterfinals in April.
The boss says: âI think weâve shown that we can compete with the bigger teams.
âItâs now just really important for us to refocus on our league campaign now that we havenât made the final.â
With midfield general Sibongiseni Mthethwa joining Kaizer Chiefs ahead of last weekâs transfer deadline, Barker challenges his manne to fill the void left by the Bafana Bafana star.
Steve Barker is hoping to draw belief from Sundayâs win over Orlando Pirates when his side takes on league-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns tomorrow.
â Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) September 26, 2023
Pre-match interview âŹď¸
He adds: âA player like Sihle Nduli, who has maybe playing bridesmaid to Mthethwa, he is a quality footballer himself. The effort he put in to break down attacks was special to see.
âItâs their time now, they need to step now.â
Downs skipper Themba Zwane says they know better than to vat Stellies laag, reckoning that Mthethwaâs departure wonât weaken Barkerâs troops.
He warns his teammates, saying: âIf you check the way coach Barker does things, he always has a player who is similar in profile.
Match Day!
đ#DStvPrem
â˝ď¸Kaizer Chiefs vs. Sekhukhune United
đFirst Team
đWednesday 27 September 2023
đ Moses Mabhida Stadium
đ19h30
đşSuperSport 202
đR60 - Ticketpro, Spar - https://t.co/nSBHeT3ji1#Amakhosi4Life #Khosified pic.twitter.com/MrKO6TZu6h
âThey have a lot of aggressive players, they are difficult to play against.â
In Wednesdayâs other PSL fixture, Kaizer Chiefs host Sekhukhune United at 7.30pm.
matthew.marcus@inl.co.za