While some coaches might not want to face the ruthless Mamelodi Sundowns at the moment, Stellenbosch FC mentor Steve Barker is excited about playing the DStv Premiership champions in a high-stakes Nedbank Cup semi-final.
Stellies, who are on a 25-match unbeaten streak, host Sundowns in a Nedbank Cup semi-final at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Sunday at 15:00.
Both sides are determined to end the domestic season with two titles as Barker’s men have already clinched the Carling Knockout while Sundowns wrapped up the league title with a 5-1 thumping of Kaizer Chiefs on Thursday.
Having done so well, winning the Carling Knockout and leading the race for the second spot in the league, Barker believes playing against Sundowns is a chance to gauge their progress.
Interestingly, the last time Stellies lost a match was during the 3-1 league defeat to Sundowns in September.
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“Congratulations to Sundowns for winning their seventh successive league title, they were by far the best team in the league, and they got the job done nice and early,” Barker told media during a Nedbank Cup presser on Friday.
“We do play them in a league game in two weeks, maybe we will give them a guard of honour then but not on Sunday.
“It’s a different competition, but ja, well done to Sundowns,” said Barker before saying the Pretoria giants have become a benchmark for football in the country.
“I think for any team in South Africa, and we are one of them because we also want to be challenging to win titles, they are the benchmark.
“So, it’s a great opportunity for us as a club, a team and individuals to gauge where we are.
“Also, we are having a good season, but this is the ultimate test in the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup, the cup of dreams, it adds to the occasion.
“It will be interesting to see how we’ve done as we are playing them on a good run of form to see where we are at,” Barker said.
The winner between Stellenbosch and Sundowns will play Chippa United or Orlando Pirates will face either in the final at Mbombela Stadium on June 1.
Full steam ahead in preparation for this weekend's semi-final 👊 pic.twitter.com/hvpQcIdqdh
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 3, 2024
