Barker Eyes Another Scalp Against Sundowns
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker says playing against Mamelodi Sundowns is always a great challenge because they aspire to reach their level ahead of the Betway Premiership clash at DHL Stadium on Wednesday (19:30).
The Cape Winelands’ club will shift their focus to domestic league contention when they welcome Sundowns in Cape Town, after a successful trip to Angola, beating Lunda Sol 1-0 in the CAF Confederations Cup.
Both teams will be coming into encounter high in confidence with the visitors having registered their first Champions League win at home thanks to a late Iqraam Rayners gaol to send Raja Casablanca packing on Sunday.
The Stellies gaffer acknowledged the advantage of coming into an encounter of this magnitude off the back of an important victory, especially complimented with a good performance.
“I think it is always good coming off a win, it always gives you that confidence and belief, and the way we played and the amount of chances we created, we can take that confidence and belief against Sundowns. Obviously, Sundowns is quality and they also had a good win on the weekend,” said Barker.
An encounter that promises to be enticing given the rivalry that has recently developed between the two sides. An evenly matched success record for both clubs in their past six head-to-head clashes in all competitions with both sides sharing three wins each.
While dismissing the exclusive big game status accredited to the upcoming top of the table battle, Barker simultaneously acknowledged and discussed the dynamics that influence the amount of attentions that the game attracts.
“Every game in the Premiership is big but you know obviously playing against a team like Sundowns who are sort of on top of the league. Currently it is always a great challenge for us as football club, you know we want to aspire to also challenge for the league, so it is these types of games that become massive and big for us.” He assumed.
The Western Cape-based club approaches Wednesday’s clash having enjoyed victories in the two most recent meetings with The Brazilians, registering back-to-back 1-0 wins in the two-legged MTN8 semifinal.
Barker however maintained that Wednesday should present a different scenario altogether, further elaborating on the aspects supporting his assumption.
“I think it was early in the season for them, they had made changes to the coaching personnel and once again we face them with another coach.”
He further expanded saying, “So I think it will be a different type of game you know a player like Rayners was not available in the MTN. He is on really good goalscoring form and I think they are a stronger team but I believe we’ve also grown since the MTN and those results don’t count for anything, It is the past and tomorrow is the next match and that’s the most important thing. “
Despite falling short a few times, Stellies look to be well within the title race as a victory over Sundowns should 19 points, two behind joint leaders in Sundows and Orlando Pirates.
