CAFCC: Stellenbosch not in semis by fluke, ready to take on Simba – Barker

Photo Credit - Stellenbosch Football Club.

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker has maintained they earned their qualification to play in the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup and will be ready to take on Simba SC.

The South African outfit reached the last four following a 1-0 aggregate win over defending champions Zamalek of Egypt. The Stellies drew 0-0 in the first leg at home but went ahead to stun the defending champions 1-0 away.

According to Barker, as much as they have respect for Simba, they nailed their semis spot because they deserved it and they will do everything to beat Msimbazi Reds and qualify for the final.

“We respect Simba a lot. They’re experienced, well-coached, and used to these kinds of games. But we’ve earned our place in the semi-finals. We believe in ourselves and will give everything we’ve got,” said Barker as quoted by the Guardian.

“I played against Fadlu (Davids) when he was coaching at Maritzburg United. It’s nice that there are South Africans who will be in the semi-final, and possibly in the final. I’m looking forward to facing him. He’s a top coach doing a good job at Simba.

“I know Darien Wilken, Simba’s assistant coach, very well. He’s good friends with my assistant coach, Wesley Sergel. So, it will be nice to see them again.”

On how prepared they are, Barker said: “This season has shown, over a long period, that we’ve travelled a lot and learned how to deal with different situations. I think we’re well prepared for this. Reaching the semi-finals was one of our biggest goals and we’ve always said that if we get this far, we might as well try to go all the way.”

The first leg will be played at New Aman Stadium in Zanzibar on Sunday before they face off again in the return leg on April 27 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.