Stellies determined to bounce back after early season struggles

Stellenbosch FC face a tough challenge as they aim to rediscover their winning form when they visit AmaZulu for their Betway Premiership clash at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm kickoff).

The 2025/26 season has started poorly for Stellies, who have managed only one victory in their first five league matches. 

While the MTN8 offered some positives amid their slow start, attention now turns back to the league as they look to regain momentum ahead of their CAF Confederations Cup campaign starting in a couple of weeks.

Steve Barker and his side will be eager to bounce back against an AmaZulu team they overcame 3-2 in extra time to reach the MTN8 semi-finals earlier this season. Stellies also secured two league victories against the KwaZulu Natal side last season, but they enter this clash more vulnerable than in previous encounters.

Barker’s side has long been known for their resilience. Over the last few seasons, they have consistently defied the odds to remain competitive in the league. However, this campaign has presented a few challenges, including the familiar struggle of losing key players, which has contributed to some of their early-season difficulties.

Despite having plenty of talent at his disposal, Barker often experiences the highs of seeing players advance in their careers alongside the lows of missing their presence when the team needs them most.

“It’s bittersweet, on the one hand you are happy for the players that go on and earn a better living and play like Olwethu Makhanya who’s top of the MLS currently playing really well and Tylon Smith,” Barker said.

“Not to mention the players that have moved locally, a number of them to Sundowns, and some players to Pirates. When you see Sihle Nduli doing as well as he is, he has become a pillar of strength for Pirates.

“The sweet part is seeing them develop and grow, and after the match when Sihle comes to me and he has got tears in his eyes upset on my behalf, you look at him and you wish him well.”

While the club benefits from developing players from its youth ranks, Barker also acknowledged the challenges of losing key talent but stressed the importance of refocusing quickly to get their league campaign back on track.

“The bitter side is that you want to make finals and have key players like Fawaaz Basadien and Nduli himself, but you look at the performance in the final and you think there is potential in this team of mine. 

“Sometimes you look and wish you could have one or two of them because they gained experience and were in the final and won the Carling Cup together. I do not have any regrets but wish them well. 

“This group of players will again rise to the occasion. We have work to do in the league, and we want to make sure we are in the top eight again. We have to get ourselves up the log table, and that will be key.”