Stellies brace for more challenges ahead of CAF Confederation Cup

Stellenbosch FC and Steve Barker have been walking a thin line between safety and danger this season — an unexpected position for a team tipped to build on last year’s progress heading into this campaign. 

Yet despite the setbacks, there is still room to repair some of the early damage and close out the year on a stronger, more stable note.

Their response will depend heavily on the results they collect in the coming weeks, beginning with the CAF Confederation Cup group-stage opener against Republic of Congo side Otoho d’Oyo this Sunday. 

Just when it seemed their season could not take another difficult turn, Stellies learned that they must play their continental home fixtures far away from their familiar base. 

All suitable stadiums in Cape Town, as well as the Danie Craven Stadium, have either failed CAF requirements or are unavailable — forcing the club to relocate to the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

For a team desperate to build momentum, the logistical disruption threatens to unsettle the rhythm they’ve been trying to establish. Their next two fixtures will also be in the Confederation Cup, a competition where they have generally fared better than in the Betway Premiership. Those games could prove crucial in regaining confidence and resetting their season.

Stellies will embark on a long trip to Tanzania to face Singida Black Stars before returning to wrap up the year with two domestic matches ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break. 

Their first league fixture upon returning from continental duty will be a tricky encounter against newcomers Orbit College at the Olympia Park Stadium. The Rustenburg outfit have turned their compact home venue into a fortress — unbeaten in three games there, with two wins and a draw — while Stellies have yet to secure an away victory, collecting just two points from five matches on the road. 

On paper, it is a match Barker’s side should target for maximum points, but their fortunes may depend on whether the Confederation Cup fixtures provide the confidence boost they badly need.

A demanding clash against Polokwane City will take the Cape Winelands side into the long AFCON pause. Whether that break arrives as a welcome reset or a period of introspection will depend on how they handle a Rise and Shine outfit quietly punching above their weight this season, already sitting fifth and only six points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Historically, Stellenbosch have held a slight edge over City, winning two of the last five meetings, with two draws and just one defeat. They will hope that trend continues.

Stellies will finally return to the comfort of the Danie Craven Stadium for their last match of the year, and the momentum — or pressure — carried into that fixture will likely shape the trajectory of their season. A strong finish remains within reach, and the positives they extract from this challenging run could be the turning point they’ve been searching for.