‘This block of (Confed Cup) fixtures is important for us to focus on at least getting ourselves back into the race,’ said Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers
Stellenbosch FC flew out to Angola yesterday hopeful that they can revive their flagging CAF Confederation Cup fortunes.
They play Desportivo Lunda Sul tomorrow in a Group B match, and the club are aware that if they suffer defeat, it could spell the end of their continental campaign.
After two games, Stellenbosch are winless, and tomorrow’s clash will mark the halfway point of the group phase play.
Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie, who is part of the entourage travelling to Angola, said yesterday that the team were determined to reach the playoffs despite their recent setbacks.
“We are travelling to Angola determined to secure our first points and keep our knockout stage hopes alive,” said Benadie.
“It is important to get a result, because we believe that we can still claw our way back into this group.
“Being new in CAF and with a small squad, we learn as we go. We’re learning about African opponents, continental refereeing and matters such as player fatigue.
“It’s where we want to compete, and we will get better as we learn over time.
“It is a big blow for us to lose (Lehlogonolo) Mojela as he started his Stellenbosch career on fire.
Coach Steve Barker is approaching this weekend's clash against CD Lunda Sul as a cup final 🌍 pic.twitter.com/HkHkLBfW74
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) December 12, 2024
“We showed with our performance against Pirates after an immensely demanding travel schedule that we have what it takes to battle and show up when it’s most needed.
“I’m hoping for a similar back-to-back performance against the Angolans.”
On the eve of the team’s departure, Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker was concerned about the team’s heavy schedule over the next month.
After the Lunda Sul match, the Cape Winelands outfit will complete their Group B assignments with matches on consecutive Saturdays in January.
“After we play this weekend, we are back in action in the first three weeks of January. We play in the first week of January, and then the next two weekends after that,” Barker said.
“Sandwiched in between these African fixtures, we have Sundowns in the league (on Wednesday) and we have SuperSport away.
“This block of (Confed Cup) fixtures is important for us to focus on at least getting ourselves back into the race, and it all boils down to the following game.
“If we don’t get anything from Sunday’s game, then it will probably be beyond us, so it becomes a cup final.
Resetting in the sun ☀️ pic.twitter.com/5BheaJyf93
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) December 12, 2024
“Once you get to the later games, you have to assess where you are and how you approach it. We must consider dealing with league matches, and even the Nedbank Cup will start soon.”
Barker said the team are still learning to cope with their opponents in the continental competition.
“I think in Africa, you have got to see what is happening and just play the situation,” said Barker.
“It is about dealing with a situation and not getting too frustrated.”
The Group B standings are topped by the two teams that defeated Stellenbosch.
RS Berkane top the log with six points, and Stade Malien are in second place with four.
Lunda Sul, with a lone point, are next, and Stellenbosch prop up the log.
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