Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker’s had shared words on his side’s debut match in the Premier League to Chippa United that ended goalless at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
“It was a difficult game for us; our opponents put us on the back foot for the most part of the game, so to return a clean sheet was a good effort. We showed character and good resilience and that gives me confidence going forward.
“Now we look for improvement before our next engagement against Cape Town City at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. That’s going to be a huge derby and one the players will be up for without me needing to motivate them.’’
IN ACTION: Chippa United take on Stellenbosch FC. Photo: SuperSportTV.
City seemed headed for a winning start to their fourth season in the PSL when away to Baroka FC. They went 2-0 up in the first half, but they gave up their lead before the break and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Barker was particularly impressed with new signings Morgan Gould and Marc van Heerden.
“They were outstanding at the back and the experience they bring to the table after years in the elite league cannot be underestimated,” said Barker, who gets to coach at PSL level for the second time in his career.
He took the University of Pretoria to the elite league from the National First Division in the 2011-12 season.
Mike de Bruyn