Stellies exit Confed Cup but domestic success still up for grabs

ANOTHER Stellenbosch fairytale run in the CAF Confederation Cup this season was what the club, their supporters, and neutrals had been rooting for.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

But alas, it wasn't to be - the Winelands-based side was knocked out of the group stage on Sunday with a game to spare.

Stellenbosch lost 3-0 to Otoho d'Oyo in the penultimate group-stage fixture in Brazzaville, confirming that they will finish in the bottom two of Group C, even if they beat Singida Black Stars in their final match at home on Sunday.

That crushing defeat stung. Stellies had hoped to build on their semifinal finish in the competition last season - a historic run achieved on their first attempt.

However, with recent coaching changes and other challenges, including the departure of Steve Barker (replaced by Gavin Hunt) and the death of Jeandre Gaffoor, the team was expected to go through a transition phase.