Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says his team must maintain the high standards they set in last season’s CAF Confederation Cup as they prepare to begin another continental campaign this weekend.
The South African side, who reached the semi-finals of the tournament last season, will face Equatorial Guinea’s FC 15 de Agosto de Akonibe in the second preliminary round. The first leg takes place this Saturday at Estadio de Ebibeyin, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00.
Barker told reporters that after their impressive run last year, Stellenbosch cannot afford to take a backward step. “Once you’ve reached the semi-final stage of the competition, like we did last year, you don’t want to take a step backwards,” he said. “Our first goal is to qualify for the group stage, then take it one match at a time.”
The Cape Winelands club’s domestic form has been less convincing. They are 14th in the Betway Premiership with just one win from nine matches. However, their morale received a timely boost after knocking Kaizer Chiefs out of the Carling Knockout Cup and reaching the final of the MTN8.
Team captain Sage Stephens said last season’s performance in Africa remains a benchmark for the squad. “We set the bar very high in the CAF Confederation Cup last season, so that’s something for us to chase again this season,” he said.
Stellenbosch have already faced some of South Africa’s strongest sides this term, including Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Chiefs, in what has been a tough start to their domestic campaign. Barker believes those challenges have toughened the team for continental competition.
“South Africa has shown that we are a footballing force on the continent,” he said. “You can see that from the progress of Sundowns and Pirates in the CAF Champions League, and us reaching the Confederation Cup semi-finals. When we play these matches, we know we represent not only Stellenbosch but South Africa as a whole.”
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