Coach Barker has in-form Stellenbosch players on high alert, fears complacency will creep in

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker will have his players on high alert, as he fears their soaring confidence may lead to complacency in Wednesday’s fixture against Marumo Gallants.

The showdown against Gallants is a Carling Knockout quarter-final at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.

With recent results suggesting a strong resurgence, Barker is keen to ensure that complacency does not undermine his team’s progress. Having initially stumbled through the season, winning only one of their first nine games in the Betway Premiership, Stellenbosch appear to have turned a corner.

A pivotal 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the CKO round of 16 halted a six-match winless streak, followed by an impressive 4-1 drubbing of 15 de Agosto last Sunday that secured their place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.

Barker’s men have shown newfound attacking prowess, netting eight goals in just two matches—an encouraging turnaround after finding the back of the net only four times in their previous 14 outings. This newfound form culminated in a thrilling 4-3 league victory against Golden Arrows last week.

“It’s just really about perseverance and trusting and continuing to do the things that we always do,” said Barker. “The confidence we got from midweek will hopefully carry on through to Wednesday and our next two important league matches before the Fifa break.”

He emphasised the need for the team to improve in the final third, focusing on the “quality of the pass, cross, or shot.”

Despite the progressive momentum, Barker has been candid about his disappointment at the club’s historical challenges in retaining key players. The sales of talent such as Jayden Adams, Ashley du Preez, and Dean van Rooyen have somewhat been the main influence behind their initial struggles this season.

While he acknowledges the necessity of player transfers in professional football, he reflects on how the team might have fared had they retained some of these talents.

Reflecting on the club’s reputation for nurturing home-grown talent, Barker noted: “The better you become as a football club, winning cups and reaching finals, the stock of the players is a lot higher, far more valuable.”

This philosophy reinforces the club’s commitment to players’ development, prioritising both their success and the club’s growth.

As Stellenbosch prepares for the challenge in Bloemfontein, the spotlight is likely to shine brightly on Andre de Jong. The New Zealand-born midfielder has emerged as a key figure in the squad, registering three goals in his last two matches following a long scoring drought.

De Jong will be pivotal if Barker’s side is to maintain their upward trajectory against a formidable Marumo Gallants side.

Gallants, who stunned Mamelodi Sundowns in the previous round with a surprising 1-0 victory, will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge.

They also secured a 2-1 win over Chippa United in the league just days before facing Stellenbosch. With both teams looking to build on their recent successes, Wednesday’s clash promises to be an exhilarating battle.