Stellenbosch aiming for “special season”

STELLENBOSCH FC coach Steve Barker has urged his team to shake off the disappointment of failing to progress to the CAF Confederation Cup final quickly if they are to remain on course for a “special season”.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

The PSL rookies have shattered glass ceilings this season, reaching a first-ever MTN8 final, and enjoying a magical maiden continental journey, which ultimately ended with a goalless draw against Tanzanian giants Simba FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday.

Stellies had lost the first leg 1-0 away in Zanzibar and could unfortunately not find an equaliser in KwaZulu-Natal to push the match into extra-time.

But now having failed to win the Confederation Cup at their first attempt, Barker’s team need to switch their focus back to the Betway Premiership where they currently occupy fourth place with 38 points.

They have, however, played one match less than Sekhkhune United (41 points) and face a crucial clash against Chippa United on Wednesday at the Danie Craven Stadium in their bid to reclaim third place, which promises an automatic return to the CAF Confederation Cup next season.