Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has offered a blunt critique of his team’s performance following their 2-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Maroons took an early lead through Khomotjo Lekoloane, only to see that advantage slip away as Chiefs rallied back with a brace from Wandile Duba.
Reflecting on the match, Barker expressed disappointment not only with his side’s errors that led to the goals but also with Chiefs’ tactics, particularly those employed by the coaching staff, which he accused of deliberately slowing down the game to disrupt his team’s momentum.
“I don’t think Kaizer Chiefs would have been good enough to score against us had we not made our errors, which basically led to the first and second goal,” he stated.
“After we tried to get ourselves back into the game, the last 15-20 minutes unfortunately became a lot of stop-start, a lot of cramps, a lot of slowing down the game, a lot of chaotic incidents.
“The opposition staff on the bench created the chaos needed for them to see out the game," he concluded.
Khomotjo ‘Kaka’ Lekoloane’s first goal since joining Stellenbosch from Baroka.
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The defeat plunged Stellenbosch to seventh place in the Betway Premiership standings, but Barker has quickly shifted focus to an upcoming match that holds immense significance for the club and South African football.
On Sunday, Stellenbosch will face a crucial encounter against Stade Malien at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, marking a decisive moment in their debut campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.
After a rocky start that saw them lose their initial matches against Stade Malien and RSB Berkane, Stellies have managed to turn things around with back-to-back wins against Lunda Sul.
These victories have lifted them to second in their group, putting them in contention to secure a spot in the knockout stages with a win on Sunday.
“Sunday is obviously a massive game for us. If we win that game, we go to the knockout stages,” Barker emphasised, reflecting on the importance of the match for the team’s aspirations.
Though disheartened that the game isn’t being held in their home province, Barker urged fans to rally behind his team in a show of unity and support.
“Ultimately, we are representing South Africa and not just Stellenbosch. So, it would be nice if we could get a good crowd behind us, to get us over the line,” he said.
“Making the knockout stages would be really special in our maiden campaign in the Confed Cup.”
As anticipation builds for that critical clash, Barker knows that energy and enthusiasm from supporters will be vital in overcoming a formidable opponent as both teams seek victory.
Stellies have become somewhat of an inconsistent outfit as of late, with the demands of balancing domestic and continental football already taking its toll on the small group.
Barker has seen his men win one, draw two and lose the other two of their last five matches in the league.
Having kept hold of key players such as Jayden Adams, Fawaaz Basadien and Ismail Toure, the Cape Winelands side will hope to do the same in the January transfer window again as they look to see out the season in good shape. | Independent Media Sport