HERMAN GIBBS
Stellenbosch FC passed their CAF test with flying colours after defeating Nsingizini Hotspurs 3-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
The CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round, first-leg tie marked Stellenbosch’s first outing in a CAF competition. The teams will play the second leg at the same KZN venue next Saturday. Stellenbosch will take a three-goal advantage into the match against their opponents from eSwatini.
“The last 20 to 25 minutes was a bit scrappy as both teams made substitutions and the game lost a bit of rhythm.“ – Steve Barker
“I thought we started the game well and that we had good control, especially in the first 45 minutes,” said Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker.
“We moved the ball around well, we were patient in our build-up and we played with a lot of confidence. As expected, our opposition is a very well-coached side and well-drilled team in terms of their defensive structure, which made it difficult for us to create chances.
“The key was to remain patient and keep probing, and then hopefully something would happen. As it was, from good open-play football, we ended up scoring from more of a messy situation.
“But sometimes you get rewarded that way from the pressure you apply on the opposition and something comes from it, and I thought we were worth our lead heading into the second half.”
After a slow start, the pressure started to take its toll and Stellies enjoyed a 2-0 half-time lead after goals by Andre de Jong and Devin Titus.
“It was important to come out after the break and keep up that pressure and intensity and ensure that we don’t make any errors that could lead to a goal. The aim was then to get a third goal and see if we could solidify our position, which we fortunately did,” Barker said.
“The last 20 to 25 minutes was a bit scrappy as both teams made substitutions and the game lost a bit of rhythm. They looked dangerous on transition with us giving possession away, but overall I can only be happy and proud.
“It was our first-ever intercontinental club game, so to come away from home and win the game 3-0, credit must go to the players for a really good performance.”
Kaizer Chiefs transfer target Fawaaz Basadien closed out the scoring in the match. The Stellenbosch left-back scored from penalty spot after Hotspurs’ goalkeeper Nompilo Dlamini brought down new signing Bradley Mojela in the 71st minute.
Instead of setting up camp in KZN, Stellenbosch returned to the Mother City, even though they will be back at the same stadium for the second leg on Saturday. Stellenbosch were forced to forego home-ground advantage because their home venue in the Winelands, the Danie Craven Stadium, is not approved by CAF, and the surrounding stadiums in the Western Cape were unavailable.