Stellenbosch FC strengthen Premiership ambitions with 3-0 win over Golden Arrows

Stellenbosch FC continued their impressive form in the Premiership with a convincing 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows on Saturday, further enhancing their status as serious contenders for a CAF competition spot next season.

This triumph, their third consecutive league win, was a crucial step forward in their pursuit of both domestic success and continental qualification. Despite the mounting pressure, the Cape Winelands outfit displayed impressive composure, executing their game plan with precision and capitalising on their chances.

Travelling to Hammarsdale, Durban, Stellenbosch knew the importance of the fixture – more than just another match, it was a must-win clash in the context of their season’s ambitions. Head coach Steve Barker confirmed that the team were focused on consolidating their position in the Premiership standings and making a bold statement about their continental aspirations.

“I was very pleased with the performance overall and the result. We are trying to push and finish as high up the table as possible,” said Barker.

“This was a big game for us – an important game we had to win away from home. I thought we controlled the majority of the game and there were moments we played really well.”

He acknowledged that Golden Arrows posed a tactical challenge: “We knew that Arrows are a difficult team.

"They’ve got some good, tricky wingers who play inside as 10s, and tactically we had to be aware of that.”

Barker credited their set-piece execution as a major factor in the win. The team’s co-ordination and precision from dead-ball situations demonstrated their tactical sharpness and proved too much for the hosts.

“Our set-pieces were good, and after we got the first goal, we followed up shortly afterwards with another set-piece goal. I think it took the wind out of them, and then we just had to see out the game,” he said.

“I thought it was a mature, professional, accomplished performance. When you’re winning 3-0, it’s important to also keep a clean sheet. We pride ourselves on keeping clean sheets, so it was good not to concede by the end of the game.”

During the post-match press conference, Barker was reminded of the heated race for third place – the final CAF qualification spot – where Stellenbosch are vying with Sekhukhune United. With only a handful of matches left in the season, the battle is intensifying.

“It likely will go down to the wire,” Barker admitted.

“I’m sure it will go to the last game of the season. They’re also playing well and picking up results. Both teams are applying pressure on each other, so I think that will go all the way to the wire.”

Barker believes that their campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup has been invaluable to the team’s growth and resilience.

“It’s made us a more mature team, a better team, and it’s prepared us to play against the continent’s big teams – like Mamelodi Sundowns, who we face next week.”

Stellenbosch currently sit fourth on the Premiership table with 44 points from 26 matches, just behind Sekhukhune United, who have 45 points from 25 games.

Stellenbosch will be back in action next Sunday, travelling to Pretoria for their final away match of the season against log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns – a true test of their continental credentials.