Barker: Stellenbosch’s “Biggest Game Ever” vs. Zamalek

Ahead of Stellenbosch’s CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal first leg against Zamalek at DHL Stadium on Wednesday (15:00), Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has declared it the biggest game in the club’s history.

The 2023 Carling Knockout champions secured their quarterfinal berth by finishing second to group leaders RS Berkane in Group B of the Confederation Cup.

Speaking before the match, the former AmaZulu coach expressed his satisfaction with the club’s ongoing growth.

“Looking back over the past few years, we reached the Carling Knockout final and won it. We also played in the MTN8 final, though unfortunately, we lost,” Barker said.

“If you look back at the couple of years, having played the Carling Knockout final and we won that. We also played the final of MTN8, but unfortunately, we lost,” Barker said.

“This shows that the club is progressing, and we also won against Sundowns in a big match to final of the MTN8. There are always levels, and playing continental is a different level.

“This is a massive game for us because we playing against the defending champions of this competition, and they’ve won both Confederation Cup and Champions League.

“I think this will be the biggest game we’ve ever played as a club, and it’s not a once-off game we will play again.

“We’re privileged to be in this position, but at the same time, I think we’ve earned the right to be in the same park as Zamalek… and we are looking forward to this game.”

This marks Stellenbosch’s debut appearance in continental competition, earned by their third-place finish in the 2023/24 season, which qualified them for this season’s Confederation Cup.

Pic courtesy of KMSnapsGraphic