Barker: Photo Credit: Stellenbosch Media.
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has lowered expectations saying their CAF Confederation Cup struggles are a learning curve that even Mamelodi Sundowns experienced before stamping authority in Africa.
The Betway Premiership outfit is smarting from a home 1-3 loss to RB Berkane last weekend after debuting in the group stage of the continental competition with a 2-0 defeat to Stade Malien in Mali a fortnight ago.
Reflecting on the two games, the coach told his team’s media that their primary objective was to learn from the continental competition. “I am proud of what the football club has achieved in such a short space of time... just for the privilege of being able to play in this competition makes me proud of the club and the players. We are not only representing ourselves but the country,” he said.
Barker attributed the back-to-back defeats to inexperience evidenced by players switching in critical moments of games and failure to manage some aspects. “It is about judging how far we are to that level and there is a way we have to grow to get there…the experience, the switching off in that final third and dealing with those crosses in the box,” he said.
“When one gets to this level, the important part is that we keep learning and growing. It did not take Sundowns just the first season to get there. Over a period of time, they gained knowledge and experience and were able to compete.”
The Cape Town-based club will travel to Angola for a meeting with CD Lunda Sul at Estadio Nacional 11 de Novembro on Sunday, 11th December 2024. The match will be broadcast on SuperSport 208 & SABC Sport.
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