Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker conceded that his side were second best on the day after suffering a defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday.

Stellenbosch returned home empty-handed from their Betway Premiership encounter against Sundowns after the log-leaders scored three times in the opening 18 minutes to inch themselves closer to the 2024-25 league crown.

The team from the Cape Winelands responded well to the early onslaught and came close to pulling one back late on in the tie through Chumani Butsaka, but ultimately had to settle for defeat at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

“We’re obviously disappointed in the start that we had,”  Barker reflected. “Against a team like Sundowns, you can’t be giving soft goals away so early in the game, and then, when after 15 or 16 minutes you’re three-nil down, it’s basically game over.

“…Sundowns are a very sharp team in terms of forcing errors if you try to get too smart and clever. Unfortunately, we tried to be too smart and clever and found ourselves three-nil down.

“I had a good chat with the players and tried to highlight the fact that, before the game started, we were one point behind Sekhukhune United with a better goal difference.

“It was about damage control after that, hence also making subs at half-time for players that are on three yellows, like Devin Titus. It then became a case of managing the game as best we can, not to suffer more damage, and give ourselves an opportunity with two games to go to fight for third.

“Sundowns are a good team, so well done to them. They are one of those sides that if you do make mistakes, they will punish you. They showed once again why they are the best team by far in our league. We felt that, and were beaten by a really good and dominant team on the day.

“We wish them well in the [upcoming] Champions League final where hopefully they will do South Africa proud.”

Stellies’ pursuit of a top-three finish continues this weekend when the club welcomes SuperSport United to Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. Kick off for the match is schedule for 15h00.