Stellies seeking double over Chiefs
Wounded Chiefs face upbeat Stellenbosch
High-flying Stellenbosch FC are set to welcome their supporters to the Danie Craven Stadium for the first time on Saturday evening when they play host to Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs in the DStv Premiership.
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is hoping to do the double over Kaizer Chiefs when his side welcome fans to the Danie Craven Stadium for the first time ever this weekend.
The weekend's encounter is the first time the club's fans will be able to attend matches in person at the venue following the relaxation of government restrictions that had been in place since South Africa went into a Covid-19 enforced lockdown in 2020.
Ahead of the clash, he revealed his excitement at the prospect of the fans' return and revealed his wish to claim all three points over Chiefs, who his side defeated 1-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
"The result from the Chippa United game [last weekend] was so disappointing because we had the opportunity to go level with two of the biggest clubs in South African football in Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs," he told the club's media team.
"Unfortunately, we didn’t, but we have another opportunity [on Saturday]. We beat Kaizer Chiefs earlier in the season and it would be a fantastic achievement for us if we were able to get the double over them," the coach said.
Breathing room
"Our focus is on getting the three points, equalling them on the log table and creating a little bit of breathing room between ourselves and the eighth position because ultimately we know that our main objective for this season is to finish in the top eight.
"The whole season we have been consistently in and amongst the top four or six teams and it is now our responsibility to finish the season strongly in the remaining five matches, starting with Kaizer Chiefs at home," Barker said.
"Preparations are going very well and it's not difficult to motivate the players to be up for the game, and I’m excited for fans to be able to come to the stadium and see the development and growth of home-grown players like Deano van Rooyen, Ashley Du Preez and Jayden Adams and watch them live.
"So yes, big game for us as a club and a big opportunity for us to embed a top-eight position. With a victory over Chiefs, we could look at even trying to finish in the top four positions or even perhaps dream of a Confederation of African Football position."
The weekend's encounter is the first time the club's fans will be able to attend matches in person at the venue following the relaxation of government restrictions that had been in place since South Africa went into a Covid-19 enforced lockdown in 2020.
Ahead of the clash, he revealed his excitement at the prospect of the fans' return and revealed his wish to claim all three points over Chiefs, who his side defeated 1-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
"The result from the Chippa United game [last weekend] was so disappointing because we had the opportunity to go level with two of the biggest clubs in South African football in Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs," he told the club's media team.
"Unfortunately, we didn’t, but we have another opportunity [on Saturday]. We beat Kaizer Chiefs earlier in the season and it would be a fantastic achievement for us if we were able to get the double over them," the coach said.
Breathing room
"Our focus is on getting the three points, equalling them on the log table and creating a little bit of breathing room between ourselves and the eighth position because ultimately we know that our main objective for this season is to finish in the top eight.
"The whole season we have been consistently in and amongst the top four or six teams and it is now our responsibility to finish the season strongly in the remaining five matches, starting with Kaizer Chiefs at home," Barker said.
"Preparations are going very well and it's not difficult to motivate the players to be up for the game, and I’m excited for fans to be able to come to the stadium and see the development and growth of home-grown players like Deano van Rooyen, Ashley Du Preez and Jayden Adams and watch them live.
"So yes, big game for us as a club and a big opportunity for us to embed a top-eight position. With a victory over Chiefs, we could look at even trying to finish in the top four positions or even perhaps dream of a Confederation of African Football position."
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