Stellenbosch FC’s hopes of qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup for a second consecutive season were boosted last week after the team recorded back-to-back Betway Premiership wins over Chippa United and Golden Arrows.
The Cape Winelands charges earned a 1-0 triumph over Chippa United at Danie Craven Stadium last Wednesday evening (30 April), courtesy of a late goal from Sanele Barns, before claiming a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows in Durban on Saturday afternoon (3 May).
“I was very pleased with the performance and the result,” head coach Steve Barker said after the win against Arrows.
“We are trying to push to finish as high up the table as we can, so this was a big game for us and an important one to win away from home.”
The results have propelled Stellies to just one point behind third-placed Sekhukhune United in the domestic league standings, with a game in hand, which is the desired log position to secure qualification to the continental CAF Confederation Cup.
Stellenbosch competed in the Confederation Cup for the first time this season and made history by reaching the semi-finals of the competition, narrowly missing out on the final after suffering a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Tanzanian giants Simba SC last month.
With the focus now fully on the league, the club has four matches remaining to ensure they represent SA in the continental competion next season, starting with a trip to Pretoria to take on Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versveld on Sunday (11 May).
