Stellenbosch out to silence naysayers as they take on tough CAF group

Stellenbosch FC, a formidable competitor in the Betway Premiership, are gearing up to make their mark in the CAF Confederation Cup’s group stage, with a pivotal clash against Stade Malien looming on the horizon.

The match is set for 6pm on Wednesday at the 26th of March Stadium in Bamako, Mali, marking a significant milestone for the Western Cape outfit in their inaugural venture into continental football.

Having impressed many in the early rounds of the tournament, Stellenbosch are beginning to shape up as a potential dark horse in this prestigious competition. The team dazzled in the first preliminary round, obliterating Nsingizini Hotspur from Eswatini with a staggering 8-0 aggregate victory, all against the backdrop of Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Checking in from Bamako, Mali 👋🇲🇱 pic.twitter.com/eCYpLwPqqw

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) November 26, 2024

This exuberant performance was a mere prelude to their subsequent triumph over Congolese behemoths AS Vita Club, where they secured a 3-1 aggregate win to clinch their spot in the group stages.

Grouped alongside formidable opponents, Stellenbosch face an uphill battle in Group B against CD Lunda of Angola, Stade Malien, and the highly-rated RS Berkane from Morocco. While all teams promise stiff competition, Berkane stand out as a considerable threat, having made a deep run in last year’s tournament, ultimately reaching the final before falling to Zamalek of Egypt.

Their past triumph in the 2021/22 season, where they bested Orlando Pirates in the final, only adds to their aura of invincibility. Moreover, the clash with Stade Malien is anticipated to be particularly challenging, especially on their home turf.

However, Stellenbosch could find solace in the fact that the Malian side have only participated in two competitive matches since May, which were their preliminary encounters against Liberian side Paynseville.

In contrast, Stellenbosch arrives in Bamako with a robust record of 10 wins, three losses, and four draws from 17 matches this season, showcasing their readiness for the task ahead.

Head coach Steve Barker's strategy will be twofold. While he looks to harness the energy of players like Andre de Jong, Jayden Adams, and Sanele Barns — who have remained fresh after not being called up for national duty — he will also rely on the experienced trio of Sage Stephens, Devin Titus, and Fawaaz Basadien, who can bring invaluable international exposure into the mix.

In light of their extensive travel and the rigours of competing on foreign soil, Stellenbosch's preparations are pivotal. Building on their positive momentum from a recent international break, the team is expected to approach the match against Stade Malien with both freshness and determination.

As they step into this new chapter of their footballing journey, all eyes will be on Stellies to see if they can galvanise their group and progress within this fiercely competitive arena.