Stellenbosch have been one of the most improved teams in the PSL top flight in recent seasons, which is why coach Steve Barker is racing against time to replicate those heroics.
Stellies finished third on the log in each of the last two seasons, qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup in back-to-back campaigns. They exceeded expectations in their maiden outing, reaching as far as the semi-finals of the competition.
They’ve also impressed on the domestic front. Stellies won the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup three seasons ago and reached back-to-back MTN8 finals, although they lost both to Orlando Pirates — including this season.
With the Winelands-based side getting a bye in the first round of the Confederation Cup preliminary qualifiers, Barker would have hoped his team could build momentum in the league before turning their focus to continental duties. But that hasn’t been the case so far.
Stellenbosch have struggled in their opening six games of the Betway Premiership, managing just four points from one win, one draw, and four losses — including a defeat away to AmaZulu on Wednesday night.
They can’t afford to keep slipping. As they prepare to host Richards Bay at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday night (5:30 PM), they must grind out a result and return to winning ways.
Despite losing key players — including captain Fawaaz Basadien, Sihle Nduli, Ismael Toure, and Anicet Aura — during the soon-to-close transfer window, Stellies still boast a squad with more depth than most teams in the top flight, including Richards Bay. This is largely due to the club’s impeccable recruitment and development strategy, led by Barker.
So, as they gear up to face The Natal Rich Boyz, they’ll be favourites on paper — a status they must justify with a winning performance on the pitch.
Stellies’ shortcomings this season include inconsistency among their players — some are only impactful either when starting or when coming off the bench. Youngster Langelihle Phili, for instance, has made a difference when introduced as a substitute but has struggled to replicate that impact when starting matches.
With Phili and defender Siviwe Nkwali also headed to the U20 Fifa World Cup in Chile this month, that might take its toll on Stelliies as they try to find consistency in the league.
While Devin Titus and Andre de Jong have been leading the attack, their efforts have yet to translate into goals — a concern, especially since strikers are ultimately judged by their goal contributions.
Ashley Cupido ended last season strongly and earned a Bafana Bafana call-up from coach Hugo Broos for the June friendlies. However, he has yet to rediscover that form this season.
Barker insists the team will improve with time. But with teams like Sekhukhune United — the only unbeaten side in the league so far — showing no signs of slowing down, he knows time is not on their side. That’s why they desperately need to start getting results, beginning with Saturday’s home clash against The Natal Rich Boyz.
Related Topics: