Poor league start no concern to Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is not concerned about his side’s poor start to the Betway Premiership season, believing his charges are resilient enough to fight their way up the table.

Stellenbosch finished third in successive seasons but have begun the new campaign with losses to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and a single point from an away draw at Magesi.

They have two home games coming up next week as they host both Orbit College and Mamelodi Sundowns before the international break.

They also face the danger of being distracted by their cup ambition as they play Sekhukhune United on Saturday in the second leg of their MTN8 semifinal (kick-off 6pm, live on SuperSport) and in October when they begin their quest for continental glory in the African Confederation Cup.

𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 – Defeat on the road.

Orlando Pirates 1️⃣–0️⃣ Stellenbosch FC pic.twitter.com/WTeAHPMwhd

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 20, 2025

“I wouldn't say it's a concern,” said Barker about a single point from their opening three games of the new league season.

“I think it's more just mindful of that situation that can possibly happen. I would be more concerned if we were looking not like we're competitive in matches. And I think obviously the first game against Chiefs, the red card let us down.”

Stellenbosch lost their opening league game to Chiefs in Cape Town after new centre-back Siviwe Nkwali was sent off in the 13th minute.

“We showed a good response. We showed that we're capable of playing away too, at Magesi, which is never easy. And obviously away to Pirates is never an easy fixture, so it hasn't been an easy start, but I think we've got enough character and resilience in our squad that we will get our opportunity where we get ourselves on a good run,” the coach added.

“I'm confident that there'll be a stage from the next game onwards until game 10, where we'll get some momentum and hopefully, we can get an opportunity where we can get some good form, get a back-to-back winning games or get on an unbeaten run,” Barker said.