Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker says they are “desperate” to win their DStv Premiership clash against Marumo Gallants this evening as results are not “forthcoming.”
Stellies will welcome Bahlabane ba Ntwa at Danie Craven Stadium with the kick-off set for 19:30.
The Cape club currently sit 13th in the Premiership table with 16 points, three points clear of relegation zone threatened Gallants.
Barker’s side haven’t tasted a win in their last six league game and the pressure is now mounting for the former AmaTuks mentor.
The 55-year-old insists winning the match is his top priority as he keeps one eye on the club’s future.
STEVE BARKER DESPERATE FOR WIN…
“Looking back at the weekend, we are obviously desperate to get a victory under the belt,” he told club’s media department.
He further stated how unhappy he was with the result when they faced TS Galaxy over the weekend and hopes for a better performance from his players tonight.
“In terms of the result against TS Galaxy, I am not one hundred per cent happy that we weren’t able to get maximum points,” he added.
“However, with the commitment and the performance of the team, and with some of the chances we created, we were probably unlucky not to have gotten more from the game and having watched the replays, it seemed that we should perhaps have had a penalty as well.
“But I’m happy with certain aspects of the team, especially the character shown because it’s never easy playing Galaxy away from home.”
Barker insists that they will need to continue working on finding ways to get themselves over the line, especially when they are in command of their matches.
STEVE BARKER ON FACING MARUMO GALLANTS…
“For the upcoming game against Marumo Gallants, I wouldn’t label it as a six-pointer at this stage of the season but in terms of the log positions, it would be a massive three points for us,” he explained.
“The table is very tight both below us and above us, so victory would help us move up and set us up nicely for the weekend’s match against Sekhukhune United.
“It’s a massively important game. We are at home, and we have to make sure we put in a performance that warrants us getting maximum points.”
Barker continued: “It’s a big week for us as a football club having three matches in six days, and besides the sort-of physical regeneration that is required.
“It’s also important that the players stay mentally fresh and continue to have the belief that they have been showing, even though results haven’t always been forthcoming.”
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