Barker pleased as Stellenbosch back on winning trail

Stellenbosch returned to winning ways on Thursday as they beat Polokwane City in the Nedbank Cup in a convincing performance that followed starkly from their home loss to Kaizer Chiefs last week, much to the delight of coach Steve Barker.

Stellenbosch were 2-0 up at halftime after an own goal from Bulelani Nikani and a strike off the upright from Devon Titus but should have won by a larger margin.

“I’m obviously pleased with the result, also pleased with the performance,” said Barker as the club reached the last eight of the Nedbank Cup for a third successive season.

“I thought especially the first 30 minutes, we were difficult to contain and I’m a little bit disappointed that maybe we didn't get a second goal earlier.

“Devon (Titus) had a big chance, but I thought we played some really good football. It seemed like they struggled to cope with us playing both Andre de Jong and Lesiba Nku both in a sort of false nine, false 10 position, and then obviously Devon and (Khomotjo) Lekoloane giving us the sort of legs to get in behind.

“And I thought the two midfielders, (Ibraheem) Jabaar and (Genino) Palace were really on top of their game in terms of turnovers and applying pressure in the midfield. We were solid at the back and didn't really give them any opportunities to capitalise.”

'FOOT OFF THE PEDAL'

Barker wanted his side on kick on and look to repeat the 5-0 drubbing they handed Polokwane City on their last visit to the Danie Craven Stadium

“In the second half, I was hoping that we could come out and apply the same type of pressure and quality and get the third goal, and then the game would really be dead and buried, because a 2-0 score line is always one of those where you might concede and then the whole momentum shifts.

“I wouldn't say I’m unhappy, but I just thought maybe we took our foot a little bit off the pedal and should have just nailed the game and buried the game and taken advantage of the dominance that we had.

“Fawaaz (Basadien) was probably a bit unlucky not to get at least one of the two big chances that he had. But overall, pleased with the performance and the clean sheet.

"Our good cup form seems to be continuing. So hopefully, one game away from another semifinal and two games away from hopefully being in another final,” added Barker.