Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker was left delighted by his team’s performance in their 8-0 aggregate victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.

The impressive showing has boosted his confidence ahead of two crucial matches against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Stellies built a 3-0 lead in the first leg before adding five more goals on Saturday, securing an 8-0 win over the two legs. Barker was particularly pleased with his side’s clean sheets, which are a positive sign heading into the MTN8 semifinal against Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.

The second leg of the MTN8 will take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium next Sunday. This venue holds special significance for Barker and Stellenbosch, as it was the site of their maiden trophy win (the Carling Knockout trophy) last December.

“It was really good for us,” Barker admitted. “Obviously, we didn’t have Brian Onyango or Ebrahim Jabaar available for this first phase (due to registration issues), but we will register them next week so they can be available for the AS Vita Club game. They are both available for Sundowns, which will be a big plus for us.”

Stellies will host Congolese side Vita Club on 13 September in the first leg of the second round. This means their opening Betway Premiership league match against Golden Arrows on 15 September will need to be rescheduled. The second leg against Vita Club will take place in Congo on 20 September.

The PSL has accommodated such scheduling conflicts for South African teams participating in CAF club competitions, providing two dates in their calendar to account for potential continental success.