Stellies struggle to replicate past success

STELLENBOSCH have been one of the most improved teams in the PSL top flight in recent seasons, which is why coach Steve Barker is racing against time to replicate those heroics.

- MIHLALI BALEKA.

Stellies finished third on the log in each of the last two seasons, qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup in back-to-back campaigns. They exceeded expectations in their maiden outing, reaching as far as the semifinals of the competition.

They've also impressed on the domestic front. Stellies won the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup three seasons ago and reached back-to-back MTN8 finals, although they lost both to Orlando Pirates - including this season.

With the Winelands-based side getting a bye in the first round of the Confederation Cup preliminary qualifiers, Barker would have hoped his team could build momentum in the league before turning their focus to continental duties. But that hasn’t been the case so far.