Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is refusing to get carried away by what appears like a comfortable lead in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round.
The Maroons beat Nsingizini from Eswatini 3-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday to hand themselves a commanding lead going into next weekend’s second leg.
But Barker does not want to view their victory that way and insists they are not guaranteed to reach the second preliminary round.
“It was our first-ever inter-continental 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,” Barker told Stellenbosch’s media department.
“One thing that we need to understand is that the tie is not over. The game is not finished; it’s only half-time.”
What makes Stellenbosch’s victory seemingly comfortable is that they were the away side at Moses Mabhida on Saturday.
The two sides will be back at the Durban Stadium next Saturday with the Cape Winelands side the hosts and Barker still expects a difficult encounter.
“We have to come out next week and show the same character and attitude towards the game,” added Barker.
“I can anticipate that our opponents will really come out for it because they have nothing to lose. They need to try to get themselves back into the tie, so we expect another tough game, as was the case today.
“We’re looking forward to it, though, and we’ve got a week of preparation ahead. We’ll get back to Cape Town, get a bit of refreshment and regeneration, and then prepare for next week…”
The Maroons will be hosting Nsingizini in Durban as their Danie Craven home is under renovation.
Pictured above: Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker
Image source: Stellenbosch FC
