Stellenbosch boss Steve Barker is desperate for the PSL log points when they host bottom club Marumo Gallants on Wednesday at 7.30pm.
With his side in 13th place in the 16-team standings on 16 points from 15 games, the veteran boss is describing the game at the Danie Craven as “massive”.
Without a win in their last five outing, they are just three points off the bottom of the table and in danger of being dragged into a regte relegation dogfight.
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But Barker is hoping his manne can build on their clean sheet from Sunday’s goalless draw at TS Galaxy as they look to turn their season around.
He says: “We rolled up our sleeves and got the clean sheet. That was important for us as a first stepping stone to turning things around.
“We have to be difficult to break down and concede silly goals like we have been.”
One of those shutouts was against Gallants on the opening day of the season and he’ll be hoping for the likes of young defender Olwethu Makhanya to make his stem dik again after being named Man of the Match on his debut last weekend.
Up front, Stellies are also sukkelling, with just one goal for Barker’s manne in their last four matches.
The boss reckons they will have to push their luck in front of goal in order to climb the table again.
He adds of their goalscoring woes: “We’ve been a bit unfortunate too, things aren’t falling our way.
“That challenges you. And it’s those challenges that will make us stronger.”
matthew.marcus@inl.co.za