Early-season woes put Stellies under pressure ahead of Durban City clash

Stellenbosch FC’s rocky start to the Premiership has reached a tipping point, and the need for swift action to salvage their campaign has never been more pressing.

While it was no surprise that the season began slowly — facing the country’s top three sides early on — their shock 1-0 home loss to Richards Bay FC this past weekend has intensified the pressure to get results. Stellies have only managed one win so far this season after seven matches, and they currently sit 13th on the log with only four points to their name.

As they prepare to face Durban City at the Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm kick-off), they enter a must-win clash if they still want to save their season. 

Durban City, in contrast, have impressed since making the step up to the top flight from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, collecting 11 points from their first seven matches, and  Barker will have it hard against one of the best coaches the country has produced in Gavin Hunt.

The 57-year-old Barker remains confident his side can recover, but he admitted there are serious concerns with their performances. He pinpointed the next two matches as key to getting their campaign back on track.

“We are still a good football team,” Barker said.

“People tend to forget what we have achieved in the last while, and we have also just come out of a final (MTN8). We are still playing in the Confederation Cup and the league.

“Our form is concerning, obviously not just for me but also for everyone around the club, so it’s important that we regularise ourselves and get a fresh energy about us. We have played a lot of games in a very short space of time, and when you lose a final maybe there are a few lingering effects.

“It looks like a recurring problem where we are conceding goals, poor goals. Teams just sit deeper, and it’s our responsibility to break them down.

"We will have a fresh start, and we have two big games coming up midweek, away at Chippa and Durban City, and those will be two important games for us to pick up points. It’s back to the drawing board.”

Barker has not only had to navigate the earlier losses of key players Fawaaz Basadien and Sihle Nduli but also injuries and lack of form, which have hampered his side’s progress this season.

Finding the back of the net has been the Cape Winelands outfit’s biggest challenge so far, with Stellies scoring only three goals in seven matches. Barker is hopeful that their attacking output will improve as the team looks ahead.

“Bradley (Mojela) is coming back from a long-term injury; he is returning to full fitness,” Barker continued.

“Ashley (Cupido) picked up an injury in the one game he played here, a hamstring in the first five minutes. Muzomuhle Khanyi picked up an illness and hasn’t been available for a while, though he is back in training now.

“It’s clear we are not getting in behind, and we are not creating enough good box entries. It’s tough right now, but we have to find solutions.”