Stellenbosch need to show their 'bouncebackability' against Magesi FC

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is hoping his team can show their “bouncebackability” in their Betway Premiership clash against Magesi FC tonight (kickoff 7:30pm).

Stellies have been handed a testing opening month of league fixtures in addition to their MTN8 Cup responsibilities. 

They have managed to secure passage to the MTN8 semifinals where they will meet Sekhukhune United in this weekend’s first leg, but are still searching for their first Premiership points after the 2-0 home defeat to Kaizer Chiefs last Sunday.

Magesi are on the board already with John Maduka’s side playing out a goalless draw with Polokwane FC in their season opener. 

Stellies may also have weary legs after being taken into extra-time by AmaZulu in their MTN8 quarterfinal and then being forced to play with 10 men for 65 minutes of the Chiefs tie after debutant central defender Siviwe Nkwali was red-carded at Athlone Stadium.

But Barker is confident his team will lift themselves for the clash at the Seshego Stadium in Limpopo.

“It’s a big midweek game, away to Magesi,” the Stellies tactician said. “But we need to stand up and refresh ourselves and be resilient and show bouncebackability for a big three points on offer on Wednesday.”

Stellies were unable to breach the net against Chiefs, but this was primarily due to the misfortune of hitting the post and crossbar, while the Amakhosi keeper  Brandon Peterson also produced a few telling saves. 

It is for this reason Barker is not overly worried and feels that the goals will return against Magesi, especially with ace striker Bradley Mojela returning to fitness after miss most of last season with a long-term injury.

“I wouldn't say we're short of goals, to be honest,” he said. “When you don't score in a game, a league match, you always want to go back and say, where could we have maybe done better to get a goal? 

“Because, obviously, at the end of the day, goals wins matches. 

“I feel we've got enough goals in us around the team. Bradley Mojela is coming on nicely. Got some game time last week. (5:38) Ashley's (Cupido) obviously got goals.

“So has our new signing, Muzomuhle Khanyi. So, I'm not too worried about that. 

“If the trend continued in three, four, five games, we weren't scoring, then obviously I would be looking for some solutions.”

Barker is hoping to have new recruit Henry Stanic available for the Limpopo trip after the Belgian central defender was finally granted a work permit last week.