Stellenbosch F.C. coach Steve Barker was pleased with his side’s performance following Saturday’s 2-1 DStv Premiership win over Richards Bay. Here’s what he had to say during his post-match press conference.

• Stellies defeated Richards Bay 2-1 courtesy of a brace from Iqraam Rayners

• Barker was pleased by his side’s performance which came in challenging weather conditions

• He was equally pleased with the performance of Rayners who now has five goals in three matches

Stellenbosch F.C. made it four wins on the trot on Saturday after recording a 2-1 win over Richards Bay the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban. Iqraam Rayners scored twice either side of half-time before Luvuyo Memela pulled one back from the penalty spot late on.

“I thought it was a good performance from us,” Barker said after the match. “We controlled the majority of the game and got stuck in during the first half, had good ball possession and created a lot of chances.

“I thought that was the case until maybe the 75^th minute, we made a couple of changes but we got a bit lazy with our passing and that allowed them to get a chance which obviously made it a little bit of a nervous finish to the game for us in the last ten minutes.

“But generally, I thought we played well. Defensively we were sound, we didn’t make too many errors or give them too much space and time. Very pleased with a great team effort coming off a couple of tough weeks as a football club, and for the players to go out on the field and play the way they have done, I’m very proud to be part of it.”

Saturday’s match took place in temperamental weather conditions with a steady downpour of rain, brought about by the tropical storm that has hit neighbouring Mozambique, falling for the majority of the encounter.

“I don’t think it was raining hard enough for it to make things too difficult. It was actually good conditions and the game was able to move nice and quick. It wasn’t too windy and I thought the second especially, when it settled down, it was a very nice evening.”

The biggest talking point of the match was Iqraam Rayners’ impressive form in goal, with the 27-year-old having now recorded five goals and an assist in just three matches since his return to the club during the January transfer window.

“Iqraam’s on a great run of form,” Barked added. “He’s scored five goals now in three games since his return.

“He’s a quality footballer and an excellent finisher and you could see that in the way he scored his goals tonight, especially the second one which not many players would have had the presence of mind to cut in and then place it in the corner. We’re happy for him and we’re happy for ourselves because it’s very good to have him back.”