Stellenbosch FC’s Carling Knockout quarter-final against Polokwane City is “as big a game as it gets” according to head coach Steve Barker.

Barker’s troops have traveled to Polokwane where they will take on Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday night, vying for a spot in this season’s Carling Knockout quarter-final.

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Ahead of the eagerly-anticipated encounter, which follows Stellies’ 2-1 Round of 16 away win over Chippa United, the coach was quick to emphasise just how important a victory could be for the club’s season.

“I think this is as big a game as it gets,” Barker said. “It provides us with an opportunity to advance in a very prestigious tournament with a trophy and good prize money on offer.

“We’re only two games away from being in a final and, as a club and as a team, we’ve created that opportunity by advancing to this round so it’s now our responsibility to show the right level of commitment and desire to get into the next round.

“We must put in a performance that allows us to advance, which won’t be easy against good opposition. Polokwane City are a good team, having a good season. They showed that by beating SuperSport United convincingly to get into this round and followed it up with a good performance against Orlando Pirates.

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“They are a good team and we have to respect that, but it’s also important for us to go there with the mentality that has got us into two previous cup semi-finals…”

Friday’s match is scheduled to kick off at 19h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL channel 202. Tickets for traveling supporters are available to purchase for R50.00 from Ticketrpo outlets.