Stellenbosch FC players did not heed crucial tactical instructions says Steve Barker after loss to Mamelodi Sundowns

After a sobering encounter, Stellenbosch FC’s head coach, Steve Barker, expressed his disappointment following a heavy 3-0 Betway Premiership defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria on Sunday.

The game, marked by a blistering start from Sundowns, saw the Winelands-based side concede three unanswered goals in the opening 18 minutes.

“Everything we didn’t want to do in the first 15 minutes, we did,” Barker reflected, acknowledging that his team failed to execute their game plan.

He lamented that his players did not heed crucial tactical instructions, a deviation he described as “disappointing”.

“We know Sundowns are an effective and efficient team, especially in the first 30 minutes. They do well in pressing you and forcing errors if you try to be too clever and smart at the back (in defence).

“Unfortunately, we (the team) did not take the instructions from the changing room onto the pitch. That was disappointing, and it’s not often that the team is like that.”

The early goal rush effectively ended the game as a contest, particularly as Stellenbosch were unable to find the rhythm to mount a comeback against a team of Sundowns’ calibre.

“Congratulations to Sundowns. They took their chances and buried the game. It was over by then (after scoring three unanswered goals), especially against a good team like them.”

Looking ahead, Barker wished Sundowns well for their upcoming Champions League final. “We know they will fly the South African flag high and go on to win it,” he said.

Barker said the half-time talk centred around damage control tactics and preventing Sundowns from scoring again, as goal difference may be crucial for the club’s aspirations for third place.

“We asked them to do what we expected from the beginning of the game, and then it was about damage control,” said Barker. “The goal difference could still play a role in the running for third position on the season-ending log.

“The instruction at half-time was to try to draw or win the second half. At least we did not concede and drew in the second half. It was a small objective, but overall, we were outplayed by a dominant team.

“After going three-nil up, they took their foot off the pedal, with their mind on the next couple of games that are coming up.”

Midfielder Devon Titus, Stellenbosch’s most prolific player this season, was surprisingly replaced by Lesiba Nku in the second half.

“Devon is on three yellows (cards), and because he is important for us, we can’t afford him to have another card,” said Barker.

“If he picked up another yellow, he would not be available for two big games coming up. Sometimes you can’t rescue a game, but perhaps you can make small decisions like protecting a couple of players on those yellows.

Hopefully, it will turn out to be all good decisions.”

On Saturday, Stellenbosch will host SuperSport United at the Danie Craven Stadium, and then a week later, finish the season with a Mother City derby against Cape Town City at the Cape Town Stadium.