Stellenbosch look to Chiefs clash to revive stuttering season

Since their Betway Premiership opening-day 2-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch FC have been searching for consistency. As they prepare to face their familiar foes again this time in the round of 16 in the Carling Knockout, they have another opportunity to turn their fortunes around.

Steve Barker’s side have struggled in this fixture, losing four of their last five meetings with Amakhosi across all competitions. While their turnaround may hinge on this clash, their recent league form remains worrying, with just two points from their last two matches.

Despite their difficulties in the league, Stellies remain a formidable force in cup competitions. Their path to the MTN8 final, which included eliminating Sekhukhune United, was another reminder of their ability to rise to the occasion. 

Even amid a challenging Premiership run, Barker will be counting on the Carling Knockout clash with Chiefs to help his team find rhythm and rediscover their form.

The tournament also holds fond memories. Under its current sponsor, Stellies was the inaugural winner, edging TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 2023 final. That victory remains the club’s only top-flight trophy—a reminder of what they are capable of when firing on all cylinders.

But there is a cautionary tale close to home. Cape Town City, once among the Western Cape’s strongest outfits, struggled badly last season and never recovered, ultimately suffering relegation. 

Their fall has left the Maroons as the province’s only representative in the top flight. For Barker and his men, the lesson is clear: if they cannot steady their form soon, they risk sliding down a similar path — one that could leave the region without a Premiership presence altogether.

Stellies’ league woes are evident. They have now gone six games without a win and, after nine matches this season, boast just a single victory — a narrow 1-0 triumph over Marumo Gallants in late August. Their latest outing, a goalless draw away to Chippa United, once again highlighted their bluntness in front of goal.

Barker attributed the missed chances to a lack of confidence among his players.

“There is a little bit of confidence and lack of belief,” Barker told Supersport, after the match.

“We came here to get three points and tried to be as positive as possible, playing the players we believed could score. It was not through a lack of effort that we didn’t. I believe we created slightly the better chances, but we just lacked the final finish that we need right now.”

Goals — or the lack thereof — have been Barker’s biggest headache. While Stellies create opportunities, they continue to struggle to convert them. The coach sees positives in their defensive improvements but stresses the attack must do better.

“Normally away from home we’ve had a good record over the last couple of seasons. A small positive is that we’ve now had back-to-back games without conceding, and we needed to solidify defensively, which I believe we have. 

“But now it’s about finding solutions in attack. We need to create more chances. Against Chippa I thought there were enough to win the game, but we need to keep on working on that.”