Steve Barker is hoping to record back-to-back wins in the league when Stellenbosch FC takes on Mamelodi Sundowns in Cape Town on Saturday.

Stellenbosch FC welcomes reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns to Cape Town on Saturday when the two sides will go head to head in a highly anticipated Betway Premiership encounter at Athlone Stadium.

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The fixture against Masandawana comes just four days after Stellies claimed a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants to record the club’s first victory of the 2025-26 domestic league campaign.

“I think it was very important for us to get the win against Gallants at home,” Barker said. “The win got us up and running in the league and has to give us the confidence and belief that we can record back-to-back wins.

“The belief is high, and there is a lot of excitement in the camp around playing against a team like Sundowns, and it’s important to close off this block of fixtures on a high note by putting in a big performance.

“It would be nice to go into the break on the back of a win, and then have the FIFA international break and a cup final to look forward to, so it would be really good for us if we can finish this block strongly.

“That would send us into the break with a high level of confidence, having got ourselves back into the position we want to be in on the table, and in a position to fully concentrate on preparing for the final.”

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Stellies’ mid-week win came courtesy of an early second-half goal from substitute Langelihle Phili, who has now scored three goals across the club’s opening eight matches in all competitions.

“Major is enjoying his football,” Barker said. “It’s the second time now that he’s come on and got the winning goal for us, first against AmaZulu and then in the mid-week win against Marumo Gallants.

“He’s a very talented player with a very high ceiling and an exciting career ahead of him. He’s integrated really well, and he’s taking the opportunities that he’s getting, so hopefully he can just continue to grow.

“I’m sure it won’t be long before he is named in the starting XI more often and can influence even more matches.”

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Phili, alongside club teammates Faiz Abrahams (on loan in Israel) and Siviwe Nkwali, were also recently named in South Africa’s preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup that is set to commence in Chile next month.

“It’s a massive moment for the young players to be called up to the U-20 World Cup,” Barker said. “They’ve all worked really hard and deserve the opportunity that they’re going to get. Hopefully, they can make themselves and the club proud.

“They are all very excited, and who wouldn’t be when you can potentially go to a World Cup. We wish them and the team well, and that they can have a good training camp and preparation heading into the tournament.”