Barker delighted with historic Stellenbosch qualification

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has praised his side for their resilience in qualifying for the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

That looked unlikely when the Winelands Club lost their opening two group games in their debut continental campaign, but three wins in a row have sealed a berth in the knockout stage with a game to go.

A pair of wins over Angolan side Desportivo Lunda-Sul (1-0 away, 2-0 at home) were followed by a 2-0 victory over Stade Malien at home on Sunday.

“I am extremely proud and excited about what lies ahead in the knockout stages of the competition,” Barker said.

“We didn’t start in the best fashion with the two early losses, but the team has shown great character and belief in each other to get three wins on the bounce.

“That’s also credit to the effort they have been putting in and I’m glad they could reward themselves with qualification.”

Stellenbosch will finish second in the pool as they cannot catch Moroccan side RS Berkane at the summit, whatever the result of their final pool game on Sunday.

The knockout rounds are due to be played in late March and early April.