Coach Steve Barker is hoping to draw confidence from his side’s Carling Knockout triumph when they take on Orlando Pirates in league action on Friday.

Newly-crowned Carling Knockout champions Stellenbosch FC will travel to the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday where they will take on Orlando Pirates in a highly-anticipated DStv Premiership encounter.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Stellies head coach Steve Barker shared some insight into his side’s preparations around the Christmas period, while highlighting the importance of continuing a good run of form that has seen the club claim domestic silverware and climb up the league table.

“Preparations are going well,” Barker said. “After the high of winning the Carling Knockout, it was important for us to enjoy the moment but it’s now equally important to get back to zero.

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“We have a big encounter on Friday when we go back to league football, and we want to show the consistency of a team challenging at the right end of the table by doing as well as we have been in the cup competitions.

“Preparations have been going well in that regard. The players had a couple of days off over Christmas but we’ve been back at work since Tuesday, working hard in preparation for a tough game away to Pirates.”

Friday’s match will be Stellies’ first match since lifting the Carling Knockout crown, and Barker is hoping that his side will draw confidence from that historic triumph against a formidable opponent in the form of Pirates.

“Winning the Carling Knockout has been a massive boost and crowns a period where we have shown good form with an unbeaten streak and by winning a run of matches in the league,” he added.

“Confidence and belief within the squad is high, but it’s important to understand that every game has it’s own challenges, different challenges, and that there will be challenges that we need to overcome.

“At the same time, if we play to our full and potential and do what we are capable of doing, then we can go there with that confidence that we can get maximum points.”

The clash between Stellies and Pirates will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season, with Stellies having one twice, including the reverse fixture in the league on the opening day of the campaign.

“It’s a tough one but I think it helps to be honest,” Barker added when asked if such familiarity helps or hinders preparations.

“There are a lot of things that Pirates do well as a team and what they try to achieve, so it’s about knowing what they are capable of doing and trying to find ways to negate that.

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“It is our fourth match against each other this season so it helps when you do know your opposition and what they’re good at, while being aware of the many match-winners they have in their team.

“Apart from their last result, they’ve also been on a decent run in the league, so it helps when you have an idea of what plans to put into place to counteract that because you have to know where their weaknesses are, and where we can apply pressure and put them on the back foot.”