Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has challenged his new-look side to break their PSL victory duck against Orlando Pirates in their 7.30pm Danie Craven clash on Wednesday night.
The Maroons could only manage a goalless draw at Marumo Gallants at the weekend, with six of his new signings making their debut.
But Barker did miss his experienced new defenders in Lasse Sobiech and Vusi Sibiya through injury and could still be without them on Wednesday night.
However, he says of his newbies: “I’m really pleased with our new signings who played at the weekend.
“And they will only get better once the team starts gelling and the combinations improve.
“Coming off a good season last time, it’s important we bring that consistency into this campaign.”
𝙈![CDATA[]]>𝘼![CDATA[]]>𝙏![CDATA[]]>𝘾![CDATA[]]>𝙃 𝘿![CDATA[]]>𝘼![CDATA[]]>𝙔
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 10, 2022
Let's go! 💯
🏆 #DStvPrem
🆚 @orlandopirates
🗓 Today, 10 AUG
🏟 Danie Craven Stadium
🕢 19H30
📺 SuperSport PSL
🎟 R40 Open Stand
🎟 R60 Grandstand
Purchase your tickets online @webticketsSA
Or at any #PickNPay Till. #StellenboschFC #ProudlyStellenbosch 🍇 pic.twitter.com/iPHNWrBV0U
Turning to his rivals tonight, Barker is wary of Bucs, who have also made massive changes over the off-season.
The Sowetans brought in new Spanish coach Jose Riviero and a host of players.
And Barker is particularly impressed by their new defensive additions, Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi, who starred in a 1-0 over Swallows at the weekend.
☠️ "The team looks ready to go and get another 3 points."
— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) August 9, 2022
🎙 Assistant Coach | Mandla Ncikazi
🏆 #DStvPrem
⚽️ @StellenboschFC vs @orlandopirates
📆 Wednesday, 10 August 2022
🏟 Danie Craven Stadium
🕢 19h30
📺 SuperSport PSL
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/IMXIKS2xiV
He says: “They come off a win and will want to take that momentum into Wednesday night.
“But at the same time, we have to impose ourselves. It’s our home game.
“They showed already that there signs of improvement to their way of playing.
“Their centreback pairing already looks solid.”
Wednesday night’s PSL fixtures: AmaZulu v SuperSport (5pm), Sekhukhune v Golden Arrows, Chippa v Royal AM, Sundowns v TS Galaxy (all 7.30pm).