Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is brimming with optimism. He believes his team will be playing continental football next season and has revealed they’re already making plans, despite not yet securing their spot.

Stellies extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to an impressive 25 games with a convincing 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows at the Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday.

This win puts them in the driver’s seat, sitting second with 46 points after 26 matches, three points ahead of Orlando Pirates in third.

“We are mindful of it, but I think every game we get closer we have to start preparing both in terms of squad and also just how we’re going to manage it,” he told the media.  

“So yeah, we are getting closer as we speak. Let’s hope we can achieve our target of finishing in the second position but there is still a bit of work to be done.  

“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves too early. We just have to continue, taking it one game at a time. But you can be rest assured that whatever happens and every eventuality we will be prepared for what the future holds,” he added.  

Barker’s youthful side has already tasted success this season, having won the Carling Knockout trophy in December.

However, with the DStv Premiership season nearing its conclusion, Stellies need to remain professional in their remaining four fixtures against AmaZulu, Moroka Swallows, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Richards Bay to realize their CAF Champions League dreams.

In the meantime, their focus shifts to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, where they’ll battle recently crowned DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns for a place in the final. The much-anticipated clash kicks off at 15:00 PM at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.

Article by Trevor Magoro