Barker Makes Chiefs, Pirates Claim Ahead Of Zamalek Tie

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has made a claim regarding Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates about their crucial second leg clash of the CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinals against Zamalek in Egypt.

The continental debutants from South Africa held their own in the first leg of the encounter last week in Cape Town, frustrating the defending champions with a goalless draw in the two sides’ first-ever meeting in the competition.

With the return leg scheduled for Wednesday (18:00) at Cairo International Stadium, the Stellies’ mentor is aware of the danger presented by the two-time CAF Confederations Cup winners, particularly in their backyard with a vocal crowd behind them.

“There’s not only one outstanding player in this Zamalek team, but there’s a lot of matchwinners within the team, so we have to be aware. Obviously, also playing at home, we do believe that they will have a passionate crowd behind them to give them that sort of encouragement,” said Barker.

“But there are key players within the team that we have to be aware of. I think we saw in the last 10 minutes of our previous game that if given too much time and space in key areas, they are a team that can hurt us.” 

On the Zamalek ultras, Barker claims that the experience of playing against Chiefs and Pirates with less support in their domestic duties will aid his charges to overcome the White Knights as they take no issue with a packed affair away from home and are unfazed by the Egyptian crowd.

“We are happy that there will be a big crowd; at the end of the day, footballers are entertainers. We want to be playing in big stadiums; we want to be playing in front of big crowds, ” added the 57-year-old tactician.

“Back at home, we are used to playing against teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates who have big crowds, so we use the crowd to trigger us and square us on. We are excited to be playing in front of a crowd to showcase who we are, and our players can showcase their individual qualities.” 

The Cape Winelands outfit will be determined to do the unthinkable and book a semi-final spot at the expense of the Egyptian giants, while the experienced hosts will be keen to avoid an upset at the hands of continental rookies.

Pic courtesy of KMSnapsGraphics