Steve Barker is hoping his side can build on last weekend’s victory over Orlando Pirates with another strong performance in Wednesday’s DStv Premiership match against Polokwane City.

Stellenbosch FC opened the 2023/24 campaign with an impressive home win over Orlando Pirates last Saturday and will be back in action again on Wednesday when the team takes on newly-promoted Polokwane City at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Despite enjoying a strong start to the season, Stellies head coach Steve Barker is not allowing his side to get carried away with their opening-day victory but instead hopes they will carry that momentum into the encounter against Rise and Shine.

“Coming off the home win against Orlando Pirates, the mood in the camp has obviously been buoyant and positive,” Barker said. “However, it is important that we get ourselves back to zero for a big match against Polokwane City.

“They are a newly-promoted team and it’ll be a difficult challenge for us considering that they will be playing their first game at home and will be wanting to get themselves off the mark. It’s important for us to approach the game with respect and with the right attitude and commitment, in the same way we did against Pirates.

“Preparations have gone well and it’s important that we put in a performance that can get us maximum points, because any back-to-back victories in this league are highly valued and important.”

Wednesday’s encounter will be the third league meeting between Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City, with the Maroons having won both previous matches involving the two sides back in the 2019/20 season.