Kaizer Chiefs will be facing a wounded lion in Stellenbosch FC, with coach Steve Barker revealing his 'frustration' at losing three games to the Soweto giants last season, singling out one.
Amakhosi open their Betway Premiership season away to Stellies on Sunday, with the taste still bitter in Barker's mouth about how they were knocked out by the same team in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals last term.
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With the sides locked at 1-1 in the second half of extra time, Pule Mmodi had a goal for the Naturena-based outfit initially ruled out by the assistant referee. However, after consultation, it was given.
And with nothing to lose in the dying minutes, Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens went out to challenge for a corner in the opposition box, but after it was cleared away, it left Mfundo Vilakazi free to race clear on goal to score into an empty net.
Ahead of Sunday's affair, Barker took time to revisit the events of the past.
"If I look back last season, there were a lot highlights, but if one were to ask me what was frustrating for you last season, I think it was having lost all three games to Chiefs," Barker told journalists at the launch of the new league season in Johannesburg.
"And in two of the three, we were a little bit unlucky not to at least get a point or take the game to extra time (in the cup). It was a bit of sore for us.
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"We're expecting a tough match on Sunday, but we're getting used to playing in these types of matches and the pressures that brings, and I'm sure we'll be up for the game," he declared.
The fixture, initially scheduled for DHL Cape Town Stadium, has since been moved to Athlone Stadium on the Cape Flats.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images