Steve Barker has stood up to talk with confidence about Stellenbosch FC despite the early setbacks they have suffered in the new season.
Stellies are without a win after three games in the league, though they have been comfortable in the MTN8, for which they play the second leg of the semi-finals carrying a two-goal lead.
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They have suffered defeats to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the league, drawn against Magesi FC and now need to hold on to their lead against Sekhukhune United to get into the MTN8 final.
"We are confident and have belief in what we are doing and have belief in where we are going," states Barker, who been at Stellies since 2017.
"Once again, I have no doubt that we will have another special season with the players that we have.
"What we have learnt is to overcome adversity and bounce back from setbacks.
"So, we see Saturday as an opportunity to focus solely on the MTN, to ensure that we get into the final and once we are in the final, to take that game as a separate entity.
"So, let's focus on Saturday and then after that have two important league games before we have the FIFA break and before, hopefully the final.
"It is important that we manage the squad in a way that we keep players fresh, available, we keep them injury-free.
"For us as a club with a smaller squad than most other clubs, the key part is not over-playing players and they break down, and then we lose them for longer periods.
"Listen, I think last night when I spoke to the players, it was important for them to understand that when you look at the three matches in the league...
"Obviously the early red card was almost double jeopardy when the goal was scored with the free-kick in the top corner (against Kaizer Chiefs).
"Magesi is never an easy place to go and play away from home.
"Then last night (against Orlando Pirates) was a top goal.
"So, I would be a bit more concerned if we were conceding sloppy goals, but we have lost to the two big teams in the country to special type of goals.
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"Our process is sometimes you have to suffer when you have a new group of people together and a new squad.
"Sometimes, you have to suffer because suffering builds strength, resilience, solutions that you need to have.
"I’m very confident that our process and progression is on the right trajectory," says Barker.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
