Barker Remains Confident Despite Slow Start
Stellenbosch United coach Steve Barker feels optimistic that in the coming few games, they will be back in their desired position in the Betway Premiership league.
Stellies had a difficult start to the season, securing two losses and one draw, which placed them in position 14 with just one point. The two losses come from the Soweto Giants, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs.
“I think it’s just the way we play. I always tell everyone that our duty as the coach get concerned if we’re getting outplayed week in and week out and we’re conceding soft goals,” said Barker.
“But if you look at the goal that Chiefs scored from the red card, good free kick. The type of goal that we conceded against Pirates was outside of the box, a really good effort. So I think we’re playing well enough in the league not to be sort of negative and panicking.
“I think we can just continue to show the form that we’re showing in the cup competition, as well as just improving in one or two areas in the league. I’m confident that within the next four to five games, we will be sort of back in the positions that we want to be in the league.”
Barker further hopes that his three players selected in the preliminary squad for Bafana Bafana by Hugo Broos make the final squad, citing their individual good performances within the club.
The three players selected are Thabo Moloisane, Devin Titus, and Ashley Cupido.
“Delighted for the players that are in the Bafana sort of preliminary squad. Let’s hope that they’ll make the final squad. All three players, Thabo, Devin, have shown great consistency over a period of time now,” said Barker.
Barker has also shared the progress of Ashley Cupido and that he will be available for their next league clash against Marumo Gallants at Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday.
“With Ashley, I think he has progressed very well. When he came in, it wasn’t easy for him to adjust, having come from Cape Town Spurs and having a difficult season there. But even in that, he showed he can score goals, so he’s really a quality footballer with pace and power,” he said.
“He can score left foot, right foot, and aerially, so he’s progressing really well. He had a bit of niggle in his hamstring, but he’s fine now. So he will be available from our next match on Tuesday.”
