Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has revealed how they plan to stop Mamelodi Sundowns’ unstoppable moving train in the South African football top-flight.
Stellies will approach Sunday’s showdown imbibed with the knowledge that they’re the overwhelming underdogs – coming on the back of three league wins and a cup win.
With that, it gives the Cape club so much belief and confidence that they can go into the game to cause an upset against the DStv Premiership defending champions.
Barker’s charges will welcome the red-hot Brazilians at Danie Craven Stadium, with the kick-off set for 15:30 on Sunday, 05 March.
And for Barker, it’s a great weekend to look forward to with his side beginning to get into their stride lately.
HOW STEVE BARKER PLANS TO CAUSE AN UPSET FOR SUNDOWNS
The coach is well aware that the effect of Sundowns’ consecutive victories in their last 14 league games will play fondly on their team’s morale.
But Barker is unfazed to face a rampant Bafana Ba Style side that hasn’t tasted a domestic defeat in a long time.
“We know that they are also on an incredible winning streak in the league,” said Barker in a pre-match interview.
“We will have to play to our full potential. They’re a team that has the ability to score and which has an individual quality all around the pitch.
“So it goes without saying that we have to be well structured, disciplined and defend really well.
“And that will lay a platform for us to create our own opportunities.”
The 54-year-old mentor continued: “And when we do, it’s all about playing with quality in the final third and taking those opportunities that we do create.
“We have to play well with the ball and without the ball to beat a team like Sundowns. And we are looking forward to it.”
STEVE BARKER AWARE OF THE MAMMOTH TASK AHEAD
He also admitted that taking on the Chloorkop-based outfit is a mammoth task in itself, as Sundowns are the “class act in the country.”
“They currently the class act in our country, even on the continent where they are one of the best teams if not the best team,” he added.
“It’s an opportunity for our players to play against the best in the country and showcase their abilities. This goes both individually and as a team.
“It’s a massive chance for us to continue doing what we’ve been doing in our last few league encounters.
“So, I believe we can approach the game with a level of positivity. Also with a belief that we can get a result from the game.”
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