Steve Barker has revealed that his Stellenbosch FC side will not underestimate Pretoria Callies when the two clubs meet in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 on Friday.

Stellenbosch FC’s 2024 Nedbank Cup campaign gets underway on Friday when the club plays host to GladAfrica Championship side Pretoria Callies in the Round of 32.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, head coach Steve Barker revealed that his side would not be underestimating their lower league opposition and that his ambition in the tournament is to go one step further than last season’s semi-final exit.

“The Nedbank Cup is known as the cup of dreams and we had a really good run last season, unfortunately losing in the semi-finals, so this season we are looking to go one better,” Barker said.

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“It can always be a tricky affair when you play a lower division team because they will come out with nothing to lose. Pretoria Callies will want to showcase their talent and ability so it’s important that we don’t underestimate our opposition.

“There are some very good teams in the competition and Callies are a good team in their own right, so we have to concentrate on what we do well and implement that.

“We haven’t played in front of our home fans for a while so we are looking forward to that. Danie Craven is our home and a place that we want to make a fortress.

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“We fell one hurdle short of making the final last time out, but the club subsequently reaching the final of another cup and winning it has given us that taste of success. We want to do well in all cup competitions and in the league, starting Friday by advancing to the Round of 16.”