Stellenbosch FC target another deep run in CAF Confederation Cup

Stellenbosch FC are optimistic about replicating the club’s impressive form from last season as they kick off their CAF Confederation Cup campaign on Saturday.

Last season, Stellenbosch made a significant mark in the competition by reaching the semi-finals. Now they are eager to build on that platform when they face Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto de Akonibe in the first leg of the second preliminary round at the 8,000-seater Estadio de Ebibeyin.

“We are extremely excited to begin our CAF campaign,” said coach Steve Barker before the squad departed from Cape Town on Wednesday for a two-day trip to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, a small nation on the west coast of Central Africa.

“We had a good experience last season, so we’re looking forward to what lies ahead,” Barker added, stressing the importance of learning from past experiences and embracing the challenges of travelling and adapting to different styles of play across the continent.

“There are a lot of lessons that need to be learned from last time around,” he noted. “Travelling and logistics are not easy, but we have to embrace them and see it as a privilege that we can visit different countries on our continent.”

With a clear focus on addressing potential challenges and refining their strategies, Barker revealed that the team’s aim is to reach the group stage this time, taking it step by step after last season’s near miss.

Stellenbosch’s opponents, 15 de Agosto, advanced from the first preliminary round by overcoming Seychelles’ Foresters FC. Barker and his technical team have analysed the Equatorial Guinean side’s matches to gain insights into their style and tactics.

“It’s not easy based on just one or two games, but we’ve done sufficient analysis to feel we can prepare adequately,” Barker explained. “In these encounters, it’s also important for us to focus on our own game — to play the way we want to play and concentrate on our strengths.”

This season, Stellenbosch join Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns in flying the South African flag on CAF’s continental stage. Barker expressed pride in the growing presence of South African clubs in African competitions, linking their rise to the recent success of Bafana Bafana and the Under-20 national team.

“South Africa has shown that we are a formidable footballing force on the continent,” he said. “That’s why, when we participate in these continental matches, we approach them with the mindset that we are not only representing Stellenbosch but South Africa as a whole.”

With their sights set on glory, Stellenbosch FC are ready to make waves in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup — determined to turn last season’s experience into a launching pad for an even deeper run in the competition.