Stellenbosch FC is bruised after three heavyweight matches, but head coach Steve Barker says the real work begins now.
Stellenbosch drew 1-1 with Cape Town City in the iKapa derby, but lost 3-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns and 4-3 in a penalty shootout to Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday at a packed Danie Craven Stadium.
On paper, September’s schedule looks less daunting, with top-flight newcomers Richards Bay visiting the Winelands, then Swallows FC and Sekhukhune United.
Stellenbosch is in eighth place after five matches, compared to last season when they were undefeated and among the frontrunners after 12 matches before a midseason slump. Their 2022-23 campaign will be made or broken at this point.
We finished last season six points ahead of Cape Town City, six ahead of Chiefs, and four ahead of Sundowns (fourth). The challenge this season is to repeat that performance, which is impossible. “We’re still competitive, but scoring as many points as last year may be impossible,” Barker said.
Our next home game is against Richards Bay, and those are the most important. It will be crucial how we perform against smaller teams like Richards Bay, Sekhukhune, Chippa, Golden Arrows, etc. Last season, we didn’t earn as many points against them as I thought we should have.”
How will Barker motivate his players to play Richards Bay after facing Chiefs last Sunday in front of a packed house?
“It won’t have the same atmosphere, but it’s vital if we want to return to the MTN8. This is what we must win “said
“Our club’s success depends on its resilience and ability to bounce back. As a group, we must show resilience to honor our commitments.”
Richards Bay has already beaten Arrows and Sekhukhune this season, proving they can compete with the elite. Richards Bay shouldn’t be underestimated by Stellenbosch.
Former Stellenbosch star Sibusiso Mthethwa will be eager to prove his former team made a mistake by releasing him last season.
Stellenbosch FC may be bruised after three heavyweight matches, but coach Steve Barker says the real work begins now.
Stellenbosch drew 1-1 with Cape Town City in the iKapa derby, but lost 3-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns and 4-3 in a penalty shootout to Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday at a packed Danie Craven Stadium.
On paper, September’s schedule looks less daunting, with top-flight newcomers Richards Bay visiting the Winelands, then Swallows FC and Sekhukhune United.
Stellenbosch is in eighth place after five matches, compared to last season when they were undefeated and among the frontrunners after 12 matches before a midseason slump. Their 2022-23 campaign will be made or broken at this point.
We finished last season six points ahead of Cape Town City, six ahead of Chiefs, and four ahead of Sundowns (fourth). The challenge this season is to repeat that performance, which is impossible. “We’re still competitive, but scoring as many points as last year may be impossible,” Barker said.
Our next home game is against Richards Bay, and those are the most important. It will be crucial how we perform against smaller teams like Richards Bay, Sekhukhune, Chippa, Golden Arrows, etc. Last season, we didn’t earn as many points against them as I thought we should have.”
How will Barker motivate his players against Richards Bay after they played Chiefs last Sunday in front of a packed house? “t won’t have the same atmosphere, but it’s crucial if we want to return to the MTN8. This is what we must win “said
“Our club’s success depends on its resilience and ability to bounce back. As a group, we must show resilience to honor our commitments.”
Richards Bay has already beaten Arrows and Sekhukhune this season, proving they can compete with the elite. Richards Bay shouldn’t be underestimated by Stellenbosch.
Former Stellenbosch star Sibusiso Mthethwa will be eager to prove his former team made a mistake by releasing him last season.