‘These are learning curves..’: Barker after Stellies humbling
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says their embarassing defeat to RS Berkane on Sunday night is all but a great learning curve.
RS Berkane scored five goals past the usually reliable goalie Oscarine Masuluke as they gave Stellenbosch FC a reality check of the ruthlessness of the African Safari at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.
But despite the humiliating defeat, Steve Barker kept his head high, as he did not blame his players for losing.
WHAT STELLENBOSCH FC COACH, BARKER SAID AFTER LOSING TO RS BERKANE
Barker is not overly worried by the result, but is drawing lessons as they brace for the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals.
“It’s not easy to take such a result, a 5-0 loss. These types of games are learning curves. Its our first time in the CAF Confederations Cup, our first time playing in North Africa.
“We also played a quality team like Berkane, it was always going to be difficult. One has to learn from these situations, one has to grow and improve from these situations.”
Stellies were put to the guillotine by the merciless Moroccan side, RS Berkane in their home ground.
A brace from Senegalese forward Paul Bassène and a goal each from Oussama Lamlaoui, Youssef Mehri and Youssef Zghoudi stunned Stellies.
Though they lost, Barker and his men progressed to the quarterfinals after finishing Group B on second position.
RS Berkane sit on pole position in the group. Meanwhile Stade Malien and C.D. Lunda Sul fell by the wayside.
In addition, the Barker-led side will now wait to receive R10.5 million from CAF for their progression to the knockout stage.
Moreso, as they stand a chance of reaching the final, Stellies are the only South African team in the CAF Confederations Cup.
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns represent South Africa in the CAF Champions League.
And what excites Barker is what lies ahead of them in the knockout stages, their first appearance at this level.
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