Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is placing major importance on Tuesday’s Betway Premiership clash against AmaZulu in their bid to remain in contention for a place in next season’s CAF Cup competitions.
Stellies are currently enjoying a magnificent debut CAF Confederation Cup campaign having knocked out defending champions Zamalek last week in Egypt to qualify for a first-ever semifinals appearance.
The winelands outfit travel to Zanzibar later this week to face Tanzanian side Simba FC on Sunday.
However, they are currently in fifth position on the domestic league table with 35 points, but have two games in hand on fourth placed TS Galaxy (36) and a game on third placed Sekhukhune United FC (37).
“It's a massive game for us in the league. Obviously, it's important for us to get points,” Barker said.
“After the adjusted log, we need to fight for that third position, which is important for us as we want to continue playing on the continent
“So, yes, a massive game against a team that has turned their fortunes around this season.
So, I'm expecting a tough encounter.”
Barker admitted though the confidence levels within the camp are on all-time high after the historic win in Cairo, but wants his team to refocus on their bread and butter again in the league.
“The mood in the camp is really high after our success in reaching the semifinal of the Confed. But we're very cognisant of the fact that the league is very important for us. So, it's important for us to be able to get three points,” he said.
“I think, just generally, it has to give us a lot of confidence, you know, the ability to have got past a team like Zamalek home and away and to qualify for the semi-final. The confidence in the team is good. The belief in one another, the trust in each other is of a very high level.
“So, it's important that we also take that over into our league matches. Six big matches left for the season.
“Belief is high. Confidence is high. We've just got to go out and execute as per normal.”
Stellenbosch were handed a further boost on Monday after their first-leg semifinal away to Simba FC was moved from the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Wekundu Wa Msimbazi’s Dar es Salaam fortress to the 15,000-seater Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is temporarily closed for maintenance work and will not be ready at the weekend.