Stellenbosch target vital league lift before AFCON break

Stellenbosch FC returned to South Africa on Monday with little respite following their CAF Confederation Cup Group C match in Tanzania. The team is quickly thrust back into domestic action, facing a significant Betway Premiership challenge against seventh-placed Polokwane City at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday (kick-off 7.30pm).

This midweek clash holds added significance for Stellenbosch, as it marks their last league engagement of the season before the Africa Cup of Nations break. Buoyed by recent performances and eager to evade the lower echelons of the league table, the Cape Winelands side view this game not merely as another fixture but as a crucial opportunity to close out the year on a positive note.

Head coach Steve Barker’s thoughts are clear as the team gear up for this vital encounter.

After a frustrating 1-1 draw against Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars in their last outing, which saw the team retain their position at the top of Group C, Barker expressed his disappointment with officiating decisions and their impact on the match outcome.

“In my opinion, we should have six points,” Barker lamented. “Unfortunately, a key penalty is not given to us when we’re leading 1–0, which probably would have set us up for a comfortable 2–0.”

His sentiments echo a shared frustration among the players and highlight the fine margins that can influence match results. The coach acknowledged his squad’s satisfactory performance, noting their defensive structure and the opportunities created during transitions.

“At half-time, my message was clear: just one opportunity to get in behind them, and we would get something. And obviously, after that, we had to manage the game. Instead of getting a penalty to go 2–0 up, we conceded a late penalty,” he explained.

As they prepare to host Polokwane City, Stellenbosch will be motivated to improve their league standing. The long break after this match provides added incentive to sign off strongly, ensuring they build momentum that can carry them into the next phase of the season in the new year.

For the players, this is not just a game; it is a pivotal juncture in their campaign, one filled with promise as they seek to make a statement on the field. With the fans behind them on Wednesday, Stellenbosch aim to finish 2025 on a high and lay the foundations for a stronger Premiership push next year.