By Michael Madyira
Stellenbosch FC is set for a major test in the CAF Confederation Cup as they host DR Congo giants AS Vita in a second preliminary round, first-leg match at Cape Town Stadium on Friday.
Stellenbosch had a dead easy 8-0 win over Nsingizini Hotspurs in the previous round, but things are getting tougher for Steve Barker’s side.
They now face AS Vita, a team with plenty of experience in African club competitions.
For Stellenbosch, debutants in the Confederation Cup, knocking out AS Vita and advancing to the group stage would be a huge achievement.
Stellenbosch goes into the match confidently. They have had a strong start to the season, including back-to-back wins over Mamelodi Sundowns, whom they eliminated in the MTN8 semi-final.
This is the first time the club has balanced domestic and continental competitions, but coach Barker is focused.
“We just have to make sure we take each competition separately,” Barker told the media.
“Once the league starts, we have to focus and give full attention to that among other competitions.”
Stellenbosch may have an advantage as they’ve already played five competitive matches and won all of them, while AS Vita has not played a competitive game since May.
Like Sekhukhune United, Vita skipped the first preliminary round.
Sekhukhune United will now face Angolan side Clube Desportivo Lunda-Sul in their second preliminary round.
They begin their campaign with an away match at the 11 November Stadium in Luanda on Saturday and aim to reach the group stage for the second year in a row.
Pictured above: Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido at training.
Source: Stellenbosch FC
Full Story Source: Stellies confident ahead of tough CAF clash
