Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt and defender Thabo Moloisane addressed the media ahead of the Club’s CAF Confederation Cup Group C encounter against CR Belouizdad.

Stellenbosch FC have traveled to Algeria, where they are set to face CR Belouizdad at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers. Here’s what Stellies coach Gavin Hunt and captain-for-the-match Thabo Moloisane, had to say ahead on the team’s preparations for the tie.

“We played a league game away from home on Tuesday, so we’ve done a bit of travelling before this match,” Hunt said.

“We’ve done our preparation over the last couple of weeks, but we’ll have another session tonight ahead of tomorrow’s game. We know it’s going to be a tough encounter, but we are looking forward to it.”

Moloisane added, “We’re in a bit of a transition with coach Gavin having come in about two weeks ago, so we haven’t had too much time to focus on this game, but we know what to expect from a team that is difficult to face – a big team in Algeria – but we are looking forward to it.

Heading into the match, Stellenbosch sit atop the standings with four points after two matches played, ahead of AS Otohô and Singida Black Stars, who both have three, and will be looking to consolidate their position against the 10-time Algerian champions.

“We are first on the log, but in saying that, games are so far apart that it becomes difficult,” Hunt added. “It’s not like league football where you play every week. The last time we played was a long time ago, and since then, we’ve changed coaches and players have come and gone, so it’s like a new start for us.

“We’ve not had the best season in our domestic league, but there is a big points difference between our opposition and the top team here, too.

“We’ve obviously had a look at them, and they would’ve had a look at us, so we’re expecting a tough game away from home, but we want to maintain our position.

This was echoed by Moloisane, who said: “We are playing away from home, but it’s important that we maintain our first position on the log. We came here to get three points. We’re not here to play it safe or anything like that.”

The CAF Confederation Cup Group C match between CR Belouzidad and Stellenbosch FC is scheduled to kick off at 20h00 (21h00 SAST) on Sunday, 25 January, and will be broadcast live on SABC 1.