Read what coach Steve Barker had to say on Stellenbosch FC’s upcoming Betway Premiership encounter, the closing of the transfer window, and the recent Carling Knockout draw.

The upcoming Betway Premiership fixture against Durban City

Stellenbosch FC will host Betway Premiership newcomers Durban City at Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday evening in a tie that Barker believes the Club must win in order to climb up the league standings.

“Some of the results have not gone the way we have wanted them to go in the last few games,” Barker said. “In terms of preparations, we have to get the players to have that belief and confidence in their play, and not forget the good things we have done, including reaching a cup final already this season.

“It’s important for us to improve our league form, though, and for everyone to up their game to try to achieve that. The last few days have gone well in terms of that preparation, and for what we know will be a big game for us against Durban City.

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“They’ve had a decent start to the season, especially as a team that has just been promoted. I have a lot of respect for Gavin Hunt, who has enjoyed a lot of success as a coach, and he’s got them well-organised and playing in a way that has helped them get those results.

“We expect a tough game and know that we will have to be at our best if we want to win, but we need to be winning home games like these to climb our way back up the log table to where we belong.”

Kick-off for Wednesday’s match is at 19h30. Tickets can be purchased online for R40.00 from Webtickets.

The closing of the June-September transfer window

The South African transfer window closed on Monday to conclude a busy period for Stellenbosch FC, during which the Club’s squad was bolstered with the acquisitions of Henri Stanic, Turan Manafov, Siviwe Nkwali, Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, and Muzomuhle Khanyi.

Vuyolwethu Andrieas, Simthandile Sishi, and Dejean Ah Shene have also been promoted from the DStv Diski Challenge programme, while young goalkeeper Dublin Boone is another new face who has been brought in to compete across both squads.

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“We’ve brought ten new players into the squad and are integrating some of our younger players from the DDC, so it never happens overnight, but we’ve reached that period where everyone is starting to settle in and understand the way we want to do things,” Barker said.

“All of the new faces are finding their feet. Some have already enjoyed a lot of minutes and had their moments, while others will get their opportunities, but I’m happy to have reached the stage where everyone is available and knows what is required of them.

“From here, going forward, we’re looking for a big impact from the players that we’ve brought in.”

Drawing Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout Round of 16

Earlier in the week, the Carling Knockout draw churned out an exciting encounter that will see 2023 champions Stellenbosch FC host Kaizer Chiefs in the Round of 16 of this year’s competition.

“It’s an exciting draw,” Barker concluded. “It’s nice to play teams like Kaizer Chiefs that bring a packed stadium because, as footballers, we want to play in front of those big audiences.

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“We have to look forward to the occasion and prepare for it well, but we won’t be doing that right now. We’ve got two very big league games [against Durban City and Chippa United] ahead of us first, and then thereafter we can concentrate on the Carling Knockout fixture.”