Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker is focused on leveraging his team's limited experience in CAF competitions to propel their ambitions in the Nedbank Cup this season.
The club, based in the picturesque Western Cape, is set to host Polokwane City this Thursday at the Danie Craven Stadium in a crucial round of 16 encounter in the much-anticipated Ke Yona tournament.
As Stellenbosch SC embarks on this year's cup journey, they also find themselves in the knockout stages of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in their history. Barker's squad aims to secure their second cup trophy after clinching the Carling Knockout Cup last season.
Attention returns to the Nedbank Cup this week 👊 pic.twitter.com/CvG6ST7EHa
Their impressive third-place finish in the league last season granted them a gate pass to continental competitions, giving the players a taste of what it means to compete on an African stage.
On Wednesday, the seasoned coach emphasised how the opportunity to win the Nedbank Cup could serve as vital motivation for his team as they prepare for their upcoming clash.
“It's five games to get into the final. And again, you know, the Nedbank also offers the opportunity to play in Africa," he stated.
Barker believes that having experienced African football has prepared his players to understand two paths to continental competition: either finishing in the top three of the league or winning the Nedbank Cup.
“We are desperate to get ourselves [to] another quarter-final, awaiting the draw on the 20th in the Confed. So, once we've tasted it and we've been that close, I think we've learned and found consistency in cup competitions. But also understanding that it just doesn't happen.”
You've got to work for it; it doesn’t get given to you. If we want to get into the next round, we have to go and earn it,” Barker added, showcasing determination and a clear understanding of the challenges ahead.
⚽️ #NedbankCup round of 16 draw. How are we feeling about your team's opponent? 😬 pic.twitter.com/Hk0PlKNwLl
Barker's perspective is not just about competing; it’s also about instilling belief in his players. The seasoned coach understands the significance of winning the Nedbank Cup beyond immediate glory, as it opens doors to further opportunities at the continental level—a fundamental goal for the club as they seek to elevate their stature in South African football.
Stellies head into this game in inconsistent form and sit 10th on the Betway Premiership albeit with a couple of in hand but are yet to hit the strides of last season.
Barker feels it’s an area they need to attend to in order to gather momentum.
“Yeah, difficult having finished third, fourth, and sixth in the last three seasons, I think it's shown that our league form is not that bad. Obviously this season, our log position, you know, maybe is not where we want to be.
"We do still have obviously games in hand against Magesi. So, it is an area that we have to be better at. I must not try and run away from that.
“Our league form has to improve, but cup competitions are a different competition. It's a once off game,” he concluded.