Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker believes his side can overcome the challenge of Betway Premiership champions-elect Mamelodi Sundowns when the two sides meet on Sunday afternoon.

Stellies have traveled to Pretoria to take on the challenge of Sundowns in a tie that could have massive ramifications in terms of both the Betway Premiership title and qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

The hosts are on the brink of securing the 2024-25 Premiership trophy and could do so with victory over the Maroons, while Steve Barker’s side are within touching distance of a third-place finish which would secure continental football next season.

“Playing Sundowns is never an easy task. It shows on the log table how good of a team they are, and of course, they are in the Champions League final as well,” Barker said ahead of the match, speaking to SABC Sport.

“They have a lot of quality all around the pitch. Yes, we have had some recent success against them, but we’ve got to continue to plan and prepare well, and believe that we can get a result.

“We never go into a game not believing that we can win it, so we do play with the confidence of a team that has prepared well to give ourselves the best chance.”

The match against Sundowns will be Stellies’ 49th match of the season across all competitions, with two more still to follow, but Barker insists fatigue will not be a factor in the club’s quest to secure continental qualification next season.

“It’s a difficult run-in for any team when it comes to the end of the season, and there are obviously a lot of things that teams are playing for. After the Sundowns game, it will be equally tough against SuperSport United and Cape Town City, who are always difficult opponents to play.

“Their current log positions sometimes make it awkward and uncomfortable to play against them because they are teams that are fighting for their lives. But, [third-placed] Sekhukhune United’s run-in will be equally difficult, considering the teams they will be playing also have a lot to play for.

“We have played a lot of games, but we’ve also learned to deal with playing often, and when you play a team like Sundowns, there will always be energy in the legs and commitment from the players to give their best.

“If you don’t, it makes an already difficult task even more difficult. We’re fighting as hard as we can to finish in that third position. It’s most likely going to come down to the last game of the season, but we’re determined to do the best we can in pursuit of the nine points still to play for.”

The Betway Premiership match between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns is set to kick off at 15h00 on Sunday, 11 May 2025 at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.