Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has reacted to his side being forced to play their CAF Confederation Cup home matches at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
A distance from their Western Cape base, the Maroons will be in Limpopo in the group stage of this competition due to the unavailability of CAF-approved stadiums in their home province.
Danie Craven Stadium, which is their traditional ground, and Athlone Stadium did not meet CAF requirements to host continental matches. Cape Town Stadium is also unavailable for use by the Cape Winelands outfit.
This is despite playing their second preliminary round match against the Equatorial Guinean side FC 15 de Agosto de Akonibe at Athlone Stadium. They now host Congolese outfit AS Otoho d’Oyo in a Group C match at the New Peter Mokaba on Sunday, with kick-off set for 15:00.
Barker and his men will also welcome other Group C sides CR Belouizdad and Singida Black Stars in Polokwane, hoping to enjoy the same home support they receive at Danie Craven.
BARKER UNFAZED BY STELLENBOSCH ADOPTING PETER MOKABA STADIUM AS NEW HOME
It is not the first time for the Maroons to host their continental opponents away from their traditional home. Last season, they played some of their games at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban with Danie Craven unavailable again.
“It becomes an attitudinal thing towards not playing in the Western Cape,” said Barker.
“I think we got used to it last season, and obviously, there is a challenge with the availability of stadiums, but at the end of the day, we have to look at it and see it as a privilege.
“…We’re not only here representing Stellenbosch and the Western Cape, we’re also representing South Africa on the continent. Wherever we play, we’ve got to play with pride and make not only our home fans proud, but the public of South Africa too.
“We have to see it as an opportunity to showcase our collective and individual abilities. We are familiar with the stadium, having already played here this season. It’s a beautiful pitch and stadium, and I hope we can get a lot of fans to support us.
“It’s difficult for our home fans to be here, but we believe that any South African coming to support us is also a home fan for this match and this competition.”
RELATED STORY: Why Polokwane? Stellenbosch FC reveal reasoning behind CAF venue decision