Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has conceded that his team may have had one eye on the upcoming MTN8 final following a 1-1 draw with Polokwane City in the league on Sunday. With a crucial match against Orlando Pirates looming at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, the focus has shifted to securing their second trophy in two years after winning the Carling Knockout Cup last season.
Despite a successful run in the CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers, Stellenbosch started their Betway Premiership campaign on a low note with a surprising 2-0 loss to Golden Arrows. However, they quickly rebounded with a 3-0 victory over Cape Town City before being held to a draw by Polokwane.
Lehlohonolo Mojela opened the scoring for Stellenbosch at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in the 26th minute, but Thabang Matuludi equalized just before halftime.
Reflecting on the match, Barker expressed his disappointment in only securing a point, which left his team in eighth place in the standings. He stated, “I think our mentality was to see the game before us and play the match on a different occasion going into the nicest stadium with a full crowd final.”
Barker is confident that his players will be more motivated to perform against Pirates, acknowledging the challenges of playing in difficult conditions.
I can’t falter the commitment, and I can’t think the players had one eye on [Pirates’ match]. We wanted to win and pushed numbers forward, but we also exposed ourselves at the back.
He also praised Mojela, who has already scored five goals this season since joining from TS Galaxy in July. “Bradley has been really good for us. He is scoring good goals and playing with a lot of confidence. He’s a handful for any team,” added Barker.
As Stellenbosch prepares for the MTN8 final, all eyes will be on how they respond to this recent setback and whether they can clinch another trophy.
