In a strategic move, Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker chose to hold back a key player during the weekend’s MTN8 clash, saving them for the Orlando Pirates clash and crucial upcoming fixtures.
The Cape Winelands side triumphed 2-0 over Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg that took place at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday evening.
Speaking after the match, Barker revealed that attacking midfielder Sanele Barns was meant to be in the starting line-up on the day.
However, they chose not to play him after the player felt a few twinges of pain during training, prioritising his fitness for the crucial upcoming matches, including the one against Pirates.
BARKER ON PRIORITISING PLAYER’S FITNESS FOR PIRATES & OTHER UPCOMING MATCHES
“He’s got a bit of a tight hamstring which…with all the games coming up midweek against Pirates and Sekhukhune [Saturday], it was not worth the risk,” said Barker.
“So, he would have played and was actually in the starting team. But at training, in the last ten, 15 minutes, he felt a little bit of pain. So, it was precaution more than anything else.”
Since arriving from Richards Bay FC last season, Barns has been a vital part of Stellenbosch team. The Western Cape side will be looking to him for a strong performance in their two important away matches this coming week.
They will face the Buccaneers in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, August 20, at Orlando Stadium, and then Sekhukhune United on Saturday, 23 August in the MTN8 semi-final second leg, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
To make travel logistics easier, Barker explained that they will travel once for both matches and only come home after the Sekhukhune game.
STELLIES TO TRAVEL WITH WHOLE SQUAD FOR TWO MATCHES
“It won’t make sense to come back,” Barker added.
“So, we will go on Wednesday, then Thursday we go to Polokwane and play the game on Saturday and come back on Sunday.
“We will take the whole squad, it’s not just 20 players. So, it will be a little bit of a three, four-day chance to get together.”
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