Steve Barker has highlighted the importance of racking up a string of victories ahead of Saturday’s DStv Premiership encounter against Royal AM.

Following the conclusion of the international break, Stellenbosch FC will return to league action on Saturday afternoon where they will play host to Royal AM at the Danie Craven Stadium.

“Preparations have gone well and sometimes when you have international breaks it’s an opportunity to regenerate physically and mentally,” Stellies head coach Steve Barker said ahead of the match.

“We had a good week. Myself and coach Wesley [Sergel] were away with the CAF A license course, so we left the team in the capable hands of coach Van [Evangelos Vellios] and the rest of the coaching staff, but it’s nice to be back.

“It’s a big game on Saturday and it will be nice to get back into league action at home. We’re looking forward to that and preparations have gone well.”

Read | Ticket & fixture information for Stellenbosch FC v Royal AM clash

The weekend’s encounter is the first in a string of matches on the calendar for the Maroons, who will face Kaizer Chiefs, Sekhukhune United, and SuperSport United in quick succession over the course of the next two-and-a-bit weeks.

“It’s a busy schedule for us ahead but it’s nice to be playing matches,” Barker added.

????️ Here's what the coach has had to say ahead of Saturday's #DStvPrem clash against Royal AM. pic.twitter.com/lRL8LuUcgR

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) March 27, 2024

“You’ve got to be mindful of the players at this stage of the season so it’s a lot about smart selections, rotating players for the right situations and matches.

“Everybody in the team has played a big part this season and put their hand up when called upon. That’s given us the confidence to be able to use all of the players in the squad over the next four matches.”

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Earlier this season, Stellenbosch recorded a 3-1 win over Royal AM courtesy of goals from Deano van Rooyen, Jayden Adams, and Iqraam Rayners, and the coach believes it’s important to maintain a winning run of form.

“If you are able to get maximum points with home and away wins against opposition in the league it’s always good,” he concludes.

“We are desperate to keep getting those Ws behind us and this is a good opportunity for us to try and get a double over them.

Saturday’s match is scheduled to kick off at 15h30 at the Danie Craven Stadium and will be streamed live on SuperSport OTT6. Tickets are available to purchase for R50.00 from Webtickets and Pick n Pay outlets.