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Barker opens up on Stellenbosch’s losing streak against Chiefs

Steve Barker - Picture courtesy of Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has opened up on his side’s losing run against Kaizer Chiefs after suffering yet another defeat against them this past weekend.

In a tough start to their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, Stellies were downed 2-0 by Amakhosi at a packed Athlone Stadium. This was a fourth straight defeat for Stellenbosch against Chiefs.

The match became an uphill battle for the Cape Winelands side, especially after their centre-back Siviwe Nkwali received his marching orders early in the first half.

After the match, Barker reflected on being on the wrong end of the results against the Phefeni Glamour Boys lately.

Despite this losing streak, he maintained that Stellenbosch have had their moments against Chiefs, earning a “fair share” results in previous meetings.

BARKER SAYS STELLENBOSCH HAVE HAD ‘FAIR SHARE’ RESULTS AGAINST CHIEFS

“It hasn’t always been the case [losing to Chiefs], we got our fair share of results in the past,” said Barker. “But yeah, of late, it just seems they’re a team that has one over us right now. So, yeah, it’s unfortunate.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy passing the ball in a match against Stellenbosch – Picture courtesy of Kaizer Chiefs

“Next time when we play them, we obviously have to really find a way to get ourselves a win against them.”

The Stellies gaffer added that getting a red card early in the match was the main factor in them losing the match on the night.

“But it always feels like a double blow when you get a red card and a goal against you at the same time,” added Barker. “So, sometimes it’s [making a foul] not worth the red card because you’d rather [concede and] be 1-0 down [but have the whole team], your chance of getting a point is probably higher.

“So, it was just a big blow for us, and it’s not the first time against Chiefs that there’s been a red card or an incident that led to them winning the game.

“So, yeah, it’s not through lack of effort or trying to beat them, it just seems like our luck against them is just not where it should be right now, but we need to be better in certain situations.”