Coach Steve Barker has reacted to Stellenbosch FC’s CAF Club of the Year nomination following their impressive run in the continental inter-club competition.
CAF announced the nominees in the men’s categories for the CAF Awards 2025 on Wednesday, 22 October.
Stellies’ nomination comes after the Cape Winelands-based outfit made it to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup last season. The PSL side was eliminated by the Tanzanian giants Simba SC, then led by South African coach Fadlu Davids.
Interestingly, this was Stellenbosch’s first time participating in a CAF inter-club competition last campaign under the tutelage of Barker.
Stellies are nominated alongside CR Belouizdad [Algeria], CS Constantine [Algeria], ASEC Mimosas [Cote d’Ivoire], Pyramids FC [Egypt], RS Berkane [Morocco], Mamelodi Sundowns [South Africa], Orlando Pirates [South Africa], Al Hilal [Sudan], and Simba SC [Tanzania].
WHAT STEVE BARKER SAID ABOUT STELLENBOSCH FC NOMINATION
Barker described the nomination as a privilege and honour for his club, given the stature of the clubs they are nominated with in the category.
“It’s a privilege to play on the continent and to be nominated for Club of the Year in CAF. When you look at how many teams are on the continent, there are over a thousand football teams. To be nominated in that kind of category among those teams we have been nominated with is just really special,” said Barker.
“So, we want to be playing in Africa, and we don’t mind where we play. I do think it builds a better sense of resilience within the team. We get to spend five days together, whether it’s at the airport, on a bus, or in a hotel.
“I think that brings the team together. You know, we have brought in a number of new players, and enduring a little bit of hardship, in the long run, this might be what we need.”
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch are still on course to qualify for the Confederation Cup group stages after playing to a 0-0 draw with 15 de Agosto of Equatorial Guinea in the first leg of the tournament’s Second Preliminary Round last weekend away from home.
The return match between the two teams will be played on Sunday, 26 October, at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. The kick-off is set for 15:00.
RELATED STORY: Steve Barker makes candid admission on Stellenbosch