Stellies edging closer to where they want to be

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker believes that they are heading in the right direction considering their targets for the remainder of their campaign.

Stellies beat Magesi 2-1 at home in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night as they climbed up to fifth on the log with 27 points. That wasn’t just their second win in three league games, but it also ensured they trail the third-place Sekhukhune United, who have played one game more, with just four points.

Stellies moved closer to their targeted Top 3 finish with that hard-fought win and could take a step  closer on Friday when they host Polokwane City, who lead them by three points, at Danie Craven Stadium. A win in that match could see them match Rise and Shine’s number of points, while leap-frogging them due to a superior goal difference. 

It will also put current third-pace club Sekhukhune United – on 31 points – on notice.

“It was a good win. Going into Friday, it gives us, hopefully, good confidence and belief,” said Barker after the win over the struggling Limpopo based club in Winelands.

“If we can get a win against Polokwane City, it would be 10 points out of a possible 12, something which would put us probably where we want to be: in the upper echelons of the league.”

Stellies were nearly their own worst enemy against Magesi, as they couldn’t bury most of the chances that they created, making for a nervy finish to the game. Nevertheless, Barker was pleased with the impact of striker Ashley Cupido after he got on the scoresheet and played a huge role in Magesi's Mzwandile Buthelezi conceding an own goal.

The form of Cupido, who has now scored three goals in as many matches, arguers well for Barker who’s set to be without striker Bradley Mojela for the rest of the season.

“I thought it was nice for Ashley to get on the scoresheet yet again. It seemed he had scored both goals, but one was an own goal, though his presence forced the error,” Barker said.

“It was nice of him to get on the season considering that Bradley is out for the season, and as Ashley didn’t have it easy in the beginning. But he’s a goal scorer, so it was only a matter of time before he scores the goals. So, he was believing and getting the confidence from his teammates.

“So, hopefully, the run that he’s having can continue. And if he can maintain it until the end of the season that would be good for everyone.”

Barker needs Cupido to continue firing on all cylinders heading into the rest of the season, given that they’ll have a hectic schedule with matches coming thick and fast. Stellies are chasing a second consecutive top three finish, and are in the Caf Confederation Cup and Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, in which they’ll face Zamalek and Kaizer Chiefs, respectively.

In ensuring that Barker keeps the momentum going, he won't want to chop and change much until there is a tactical need.

“The most important thing is not to think too far, but to win your next game. When we select the team there could be a change in the team,” Barker said.

“We are not always looking at rotation, but it could be a tactical change looking at the way that we are playing. But if you look at the team, there are mostly regulars, with new faces coming in occasionally. I still think we are still fresh enough,” he concluded.