PSL: Barker ecstatic after Stellenbosch secure top flight status

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker was impressed with his side’s performance after bagging a full three points in the Cape Derby on Thursday night in the PSL at the University of Pretoria stadium.

Stellenbosch won their second game on the trot after a wonderful Lelethu Skelem strike sealed a 1-0 victory for Steve Barker’s men. The three points also guaranteed Stellenbosch a place in the PSL next season after reaching the safety mark of 33 points.

Stellenbosch are in their first season in the PSL’s top flight after gaining promotion to the Absa Premiership last season and Barker admitted that the team’s objective of avoiding relegation has been successfully reached.

Stellenbosch secure PSL top flight status

The victory moved Stellenbosch up to 10th place on the PSL log standings and Barker is now hoping to build on the team’s current momentum with a top eight finish well on the cards.

“It was a magnificent three points for us to get to our first objective (avoiding relegation), now we can take the momentum from these two wins into the remaining four matches and see where it takes us.” Barker told SuperSport TV following the PSL match.

“Tactically we knew they would have possession. We sat off and allowed them to have the ball, and played on the transition. We were a little bit unlucky not to get something from the first half. But we came out in the second and got the lead, then we had to sit back.

“There were a few hairy moments towards the end, but I thought it was well-executed by the players, who showed great commitment and focus throughout the PSL match.”

The pressure is on Kaizer Chiefs – Barker

Stellenbosch next face the mighty Amakhosi on Sunday who’ll be desperate for three points after slipping up against Bloemfontein Celtic during their PSL midweek clash. Barker however is hoping that the immense pressure on Kaizer Chiefs’ shoulders will count in his side’s favour come Sunday.

“We have got some tough teams coming up, starting with Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday. They have got their PSL title ambitions, but we have got our own ones. But the pressure is not on us, now is the time we can put some pressure on the teams above us and see where we come.” – Barker added.

Stellenbosch next travel to the Orlando Stadium on Sunday evening to face the log leaders Kaizer Chiefs with a PSL top eight spot in reach.