Smiso Msomi
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker has insisted that his team is under no illusions in the CAF Confederation Cup despite making a spectacular start to the competition.
Stellies scored eight unanswered goals over two legs against eSwatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs to seal their passage to the second preliminary round of Africa’s second-tier club competition.
Next on the club’s radar are Congolese giants AS Vita Club, whom they will take on in three weeks over two legs as well. The Cape Winelands-based outfit announced their arrival on the continental stage with not only a resounding result but a top performance to boot.
A blow-by-blow account of yesterday's #TotalEnergiesCAFCC victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs ↓
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 25, 2024
Barker and his men have undoubtedly placed a target on their backs for the rest of the competition despite being in their debut campaign in CAF competition.
The 56-year-old mentor admitted that Hotspurs were the perfect team to get themselves up and running, and they are not expecting a stroll in the park in their next game.
He explained that their previous opponents were good for their confidence but expected an even tougher challenge next time out.
“Yes, it is (the perfect start) and to come away with the scoreline over the two matches (is great) but we’re under no illusion that AS Vita awaits us,” he said at the post-match media conference.
“They are one of the giants of the continent, a proven big team, it’s going to be a different challenge for us totally, so to ease into the tournament like we have does help. I just need to remind the players that it’s not always going to be like this.”
One of the brightest sparks on the day at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is Durban-born Langelihle Phili, who made his full debut for the club after a successful season in the DStv Diski Challenge team.
Mojela 🤝 Major pic.twitter.com/GfldpIajpO
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 24, 2024
The 19-year-old attacker has risen through the ranks having represented the country at under-17 level while honing his craft in the AmaZulu academy. However, it’s at Stellies where he’s seemingly ready to take the next step up to the big leagues and proved it as he marked his first start for the club with a sublime goal.
In a period where the club has lost and is set to lose more key players, Barker explained how important it would be for the club to keep breeding the next generation. He also highlighted the importance of being able to control the excitement of players like Phili moving forward.
“With Major, I might have to hold him back. Since he joined us, he was the Engen Player of the Tournament and at national level as well, won the league with (the) Diski (team), went overseas to play the next-gen (tournament) and now on debut he’s scored a goal, so I think he’s on cloud nine,” he said.
“So, it’s all good that he’s taking these opportunities because it’s very important for us in the way we do our work that allows opportunities for young players with our current 25-man squad comprising of 11 DDC graduates.”