Coach Steve Barker was left pleased following Stellenbosch FC’s 3-0 Betway Premiership win over Golden Arrows over the weekend. Here are his post-match thoughts.

Reflections on a comprehensive victory over Golden Arrows

“I was very pleased with the performance and the result,” Barker said. “We are trying to push to finish as high up the table as we can so this was a big game for us and an important one to win away from home.

“We controlled the majority of the game, and I thought there were moments that we played very well. We knew that Arrows are a difficult team, with some good, tricky wingers that play inside as 10s, and tactically, we had to be aware of that.

“I think in the second half, when we scored a set-piece goal and then followed it up shortly afterward with another set-piece goal, it took the wind out of them a bit, and we were able to see out the game.

“It was a mature, professional, and accomplished performance. When you are winning 3-0, it’s important that you also look to keep your clean sheet and we pride ourselves on that, so it was good not to concede as well.”

Competing with Sekhukhune United for a top-three finish 

“It will go down to the last game of the season, I’m sure. They are also playing well and picking up results. Both teams are applying pressure on each other, so I do think it will go all the way down to the wire.

A clinical performance in front of goal 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3BB3wZYml7

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 4, 2025

A Man of the Match performance from Thabo Moloisane

“Thabo has been superb throughout the season. He got his due recognition by making the last Bafana Bafana squad, and I would be very surprised if he’s not in line to win the Defender of the Season award.

“He’s been consistent for us throughout the year, really solid, and another very good performance from him against Arrows.”

Looking ahead to the next match against Mamelodi Sundowns

“Whenever you play Sundowns it will be tough, they are a difficult team to play against. I think they’ve only lost two games this season, and they are one of the best teams, if not the best team in Africa.

“We know that whenever we play them, we have to be at our best and that tactically and technically we will have to execute our game plan really well. Even if you do, they have individual brilliance all around the park, so it will be a tough game.

“We’ve shown ourselves to be competitive against Sundowns though, so we also have to believe that we can go there and get a result and show them that we want to become a team that is challenging for league titles and being consistently good on the continent.

“It’s these types of teams like Sundowns that are a good benchmark for us to see where we are.”