By Michael Madyira
Stellenbosch FC is looking to build on their strong lead when they play Nsingizini Hotspurs in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup’s first preliminary round at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The team from Cape Winelands has a solid 3-0 lead from the first match, putting them in a good position to move to the next round.
However, coach Steve Barker is not taking chances, warning that Nsingizini could still surprise them.
Stellenbosch secured their first-leg win despite losing key players Deano van Rooyen and Iqraam Rayners to other teams.
They hope to maintain this momentum in the upcoming match.
Barker noted that although the 3-0 score looks good, it doesn’t fully show how challenging the game was.
“Our opponents are well-coached and have a strong defence, which made it hard for us to create chances in the first match,” Barker said.
“We scored from a messy situation rather than clear, open-play football, but sometimes you get rewarded for putting pressure on the opposition.”
Ivorian defender Ismael Toure, who missed the first leg, may play on Saturday after training with the first team this week.
Stellenbosch is still looking for a replacement for Rayners as their efforts to sign Cape Town Spurs forward Ashley Cupido have not been successful.
Like Nsingizini, Stellenbosch is new to continental football and is eager to continue their journey in the competition.
Pictured above: Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker leads his players in training.
Source: Stellenbosch FC
