Barker targets strong home record as Stellies launch CAF group stages campaign

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker says that securing home victories will be crucial as his side kicks off their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against AS Otoho from the Republic of Congo at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

Stellies raised expectations last season by reaching the semi-finals of this competition, marking another significant step in the club’s rapid growth under Barker. Their impressive run came to an end with a narrow 1–0 aggregate defeat to Fadlu Davids’ Simba SC—a loss that still highlighted how far the side had progressed.

This year, the landscape is different. Stellies head into this important stage needing a lift after a patch of mixed domestic form, a contrast to the momentum they carried into the competition last season.

Their confidence, however, has been boosted by a convincing 4–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agusto in the second preliminary round—a result that secured their place in the group phase. Barker says the switch in focus to continental action has come at the right time.

“Very exciting, it’s obviously a different competition,” Barker said ahead of the match.

“We will be looking to get off to a good start by winning our home matches, because I think that is key in this competition. There is a lot of enthusiasm.

“It’s a continental competition, and we had a really good run last season, and we are looking to be successful again on the continent. Everyone is raring to go, and we are looking forward to hosting our opposition, AS Otoho."

The Fifa international break often disrupts rhythm, but Barker feels the timing helped this time. The pause allowed his squad extra time to prepare for what he expects to be a physical and demanding encounter.

"We had a good preparation period during the Fifa break, and we managed to work on a lot of things to improve, and hopefully we can apply that this Sunday.

“We have done our analysis with the footage that we were able to get. They have a number of players in the national team. They have earned the right to be in this competition, and therefore we have healthy respect for them.

“They are a strong, physical team; we have to be at our best and, more importantly, ensure that we execute our game plans, play to our strengths, and take the game to them.”

One challenge that lingers from last season is the ongoing reality of playing crucial matches far from their own backyard. With the Peter Mokaba Stadium once again serving as their adopted home, Stellies must make another long journey across the country — a recurring quest that has become part of their continental story.

Barker, though, remains positive, especially given the familiarity they gained with current situation last season.

“We do know the challenges with the stadiums and having to play some of these games away.

“Peter Mokaba, in my opinion, is probably one of the best surfaces in the country. We have been exposed to the stadium this season; we know the stadium, and we have to take it as a positive that we are playing in our home country.

“We are not only playing for Stellenbosch, but we also want to make South Africa proud, so no matter where we play, we have to go there, be positive, and make sure we get home wins.”