Kopano Monaheng
STEVE Barker says his main focus is going past the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Barker knows to reach the quarter-finals of the CAF competition, they have to win the group, and that’s what they’re aiming to do tomorrow when they come up against the Republic of Congo side, AS Otoho FC.
Despite their poor domestic form, Stellies sit in fifteenth position on the Betway Premiership log table with just two wins from 12 outings, though they are doing very well in the CAF Confederation Cup challenge.
Said Barker: “We know how difficult it is to get out of the group stage. We also understand and know the importance of winning your home matches.”
They know it won’t be an easy game for them, as all teams that made it thus far are also good teams.
The opening match of the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup Group C campaign will be at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Kickoff is at 3pm.
Victory at home this Sunday would put Stellies in a better position on their Group C mini log table.
“We always aimed, as a football club, to make our mark and leave a footprint on the continent,” said Barker.
Excited as he was to come off a good campaign last season, they’re hoping to do the same thing this year.
Winning this cup come the end of the season would surely mask their disastrous run in the PSL this campaign, the worst season they ever had since gaining promotion in 2019.
He said AS Ohoto has quality players:
“Having looked at them, they’ve got a number of players in their national team. Some really good footballers in their team, so we’re expecting a difficult match.”
There is never an easy match in these group stage games, so Stellies are aware of that.
They worked really hard to improve certain areas during the FIFA break to ensure that they get the results they most needed.
Stellies are used to playing their home CAF games outside Cape Town, as their DHL stadium doesn’t meet the standard needed by CAF.
Club captain Sage Stephens also alluded: “Regardless of where we play, we have to see it as an opportunity to showcase our ability as individuals.”
Hopefully tomorrow Stellies can put the fruits of their hard work on display and show Mzansi who they really are.
“We can showcase who we are. The way that we’ve always played the game and just get back to being a very difficult team to play against,” concluded Stephens.
Barker is aware of the tactics some teams display in the CAF competitions.
He said some teams like to slow the game down or just take the sting out of the game.
“So that’s a great part of playing on the continent, playing against teams that you haven’t seen before.”
Meanwhile Al Masry SC of Egypt are hosting Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa on the same day, Kickoff 6pm.
