Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker believes that Mamelodi Sundowns made a hasty decision by parting ways with Manqoba Mngqithi ahead of their Betway Premiership clash at DHL Stadium on Wednesday (19:30). 

Barker masterminded Sundowns’ exit in the MTN8 at the expense of Mngqithi, who was at the helm after defeating the Tshwane giants both home and away in the semifinal en route to the final where they lost to Orlando Pirates. 

But, despite overcoming the Brazilians in a domestic cup competition this season and a reshuffled technical team, the Stellies mentor is not taking the defending league champions lightly as he expects a tough encounter. 

“Every game in the Premiership is big but playing against a team like Sundowns, who are top of the league, currently it’s always a great challenge for us as a football club. We want to aspire to also challenge for the league, so these types of games are massive for us, ” said Barker. 

“It’s important for us to keep getting points in the league so that we can stay in touch [with title contenders]. We are looking forward [to the match], preparations have gone well, and the boys are in a good space after a good away win in the Confed Cup.”  

The 56-year-old tactician, who celebrated his 100th win in charge of the club with Pirates’ scalp in their last league outing, hopes his men can draw inspiration from their maiden continental win and use it against Miguel Cardoso’s side. 

“I think it’s always good coming off a win, it always gives you that belief and confidence, and the way we played and the amount of chances we created, we can take that confidence and belief into Wednesday evening, ” The Maroons’ coach stated. 

Barker continued to weigh in on the recent coaching changes at Chloorkop, arguing that the club was quick to pull the plug on Mngqithi’s project with the 2024/25 campaign still in its early stages for pressing the panic buttons. 

“I think it was early in the season for them to make changes to the coaching personnel and once again we are facing them with a change of coach. So, I think it’ll be a different type of a game obviously, ” Barker uttered. 

“Even a player like [Iqraam] Rayners wasn’t available in the MTN8, he’s on really good goal-scoring form so I think they are a stronger team. But I believe we have also grown since the MTN8 and those results don’t count for anything it’s the past.” 

The Cape Winelands outfit will be aiming to ruffle a few feathers as they look to secure their second league victory over Sundowns with their last dating back to May 2022 in a 3-0 win courtesy of an Ashley Du Preez brace and Jayden Adams goal.