Steve Barker is taking it one game at a time after Stellenbosch FC reached the quarter-final of the Carling Knockout but believes his side are motivated to go all the way and lift the trophy this season.

The Maroons opened their 2023 Carling Knockout campaign with an impressive 2-1 win over Chippa United in Gqeberha on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Andre de Jong and Kgaogelo Sekgota.

Match report – Stellies advance to Carling Knockout quarter-finals

“I thought we started the game really well,” Barker reflected after the match. “I think in the first 30-35 minutes we were the team that showed more intent, we forced a lot of corners and had some half chances.

“We maybe just lacked that precision and execution in the final third to get the goal, and obviously it was a bit of a wet and greasy pitch which made it that it wasn’t the easiest conditions to play in.

“We dominated and asked them all the questions, although in the last 10 minutes before half-time they did get themselves back into the game a bit and they looked a bit dangerous in some transition moments.

“The message at half-time was then just to continue what we were doing and not lose belief or become frustrated because we probably deserved to have got more out of the first half.

“I told the players that the second half was all about the final third execution, decision-making, and calmness in front of goal, and I do believe that the goals we scored were exactly from that.

“There was a great calmness, especially for our second goal, from all the attacking players involved, and it was important for us to get that second goal.

“Then, it was a good set-piece from them to get themselves back into the game again. The momentum shifted in the last 20 minutes and there were a couple of difficult moments for us to navigate, especially from set-pieces.

“We looked to maybe get something on transition but we just needed to see out the game, and overall I thought it was a good performance from us against a difficult team to play against away from home. We can be very pleased with what we achieved today.”

Barker also revealed that the disappointment of missing out on a spot in the final at last season’s Nedbank Cup and the recent MTN8 tournament has spurred his side on in their pursuit to add more silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet.

“In last season’s Nedbank Cup we lost in the semi-finals on penalties against Sekhukhune United, and recently in the MTN8 we were kicked out on the away goal rule in the semis again, so we’ve come really close to making a final,” he concluded.

“That pain that we felt in the last two cup competitions is driving us to want to go one step further to make the final, and then once we are in that final to then hopefully go on and win the trophy.

Deano van Rooyen – We want to win the Carling Knockout

“That is the aim, to go as far as we can and lift the trophy. It would be great for us as a team to lift the inaugural Carling Knockout, but before we get there, there are a couple of hurdles left.

“We will know on Sunday who our next opponent is, so as much as we are looking to win the tournament, we do have to focus on the next game and see what that holds in store for us.”