A tell-tale sign of a championship-calibre team is their ability to perform well even when not playing their best.
Stellenbosch FC, who had recently endured a taxing schedule that included matches in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, struggled to find their rhythm against Chippa United.
Yet, undeterred by fatigue and lacking fluidity, Stellenbosch displayed the grit and determination needed to claim all three points, thanks to a late strike from Sanele Barns.
“You know, both teams obviously had a lot of desire to achieve different objectives,” Barker said.
“Obviously, coming back after Sunday and a lot of the travel and that, I could see there were signs of fatigue amongst the players. But fortunately, we found a way to win.”
Barker’s halftime message to his players was a straightforward one: to focus on executing the basics.
“The game lacked a bit of fluidity and I think we started the first 25 well. You know, we kept the ball, we asked them questions. And then the second half or the first half was just a bit scrappy,” he said.
“I think both teams, we lost a bit of control. Second half, we came out and we just knew there would have to be a grind and just, you know, just try and do the right things. Don’t overplay at the back, you know.
“Don’t get caught in the position. Try and get the ball in behind them. We’ll have our moments to play later in the game when they’re tired.
“But unfortunately, we didn’t really get total control of the game again. It became sort of a difficult game. But yeah, one moment helped right at the end.”
Despite the challenges, this victory is a testament to the Maroons’ ability to grind out results, with Barker pointing to their previous home match against AmaZulu as another example.
“Sometimes, you can play not the best and still grind a result like we did,” he said. “So, a massive point for us and three points for us, another win at home, which just keeps us in the position that we want to be.”
“I think we are showing that sometimes you can play not the best and still grind a result like we did in the last home game against AmaZulu. So, a massive point for us and three points for us, another win at home, which just keeps us in the position that we want to be.”
There is no let up for Stellenbosch as they head back to KwaZulu-Natal this weekend to face Golden Arrows at the Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday. Barker is hoping his team can push through once more before the schedule eases up.
“We will play again on Saturday. The CAF window affected that one,” he said.
“But I think just playing away from home, where we could have played on the weekend at home, where we wouldn’t have had to travel, I think, would have helped.
“So we have to find a way to get energy for Saturday. Thereafter, we play week, week, week. So we play over the next three weekends. Back to normal.
“I do think that will help us a lot in terms of just having the freshness and the rejuvenation of the players in the last three games.
“Coming Saturday, it’s going to be tough on us. But yeah, we have to go. We have to fight for what we want. But thereafter, there will be time to see how the season in the last three games has spaced out nicely for us.”
