Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is aiming to make it two out of two when the Cape Town side faces Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday in the DStv Premiership.
This will be their second meeting in 2022. Towards the end of last season in May, Stellenbosch pulled a shocker in the capital, thrashing Sundowns 3-0.
Heading into Wednesday’s match, Barker would like to repeat the act and continue with the dominance. He, however, is aware of Sundowns’ threat.
“We know they got good quality and depth, but we come from a good victory against them at the back end of last season away from home. We have to go to the game with belief and confidence that we can cause an upset,” Barker told the club media.
“We are looking forward to the opportunity, and it is an exciting challenge that lies ahead. Obviously, Sundowns have been sort of benchmark for the last couple of seasons and coming from a treble season.”
The 57-year-old revealed that they are prioritising the Sundowns game. Stellenbosch aims to continue with dominance and then head to the MTN8 quarter-final tie against Kaizer Chiefs on the weekend in high spirits.
“It’s important to prioritise each game. The league match and the cup game are both as important. We want to get points from the Sundowns game. We believe we can do that.”
“Once the game is over, shift focus to the big cup game on Sunday. Each game is equally important to us. There is no prioritizing, just doing the best we can do in every match,” Barker added.
The defending league champions Sundowns are coming from a 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune and will be looking to get a win.
Stellenbosch face Sundowns on Wednesday at Loftus Versfeld. Kickoff is 17:30. Then, they will host Amakhosi on Sunday for the MTN8 at Danie Craven Stadium at 15:00.
