Barker sends Cardoso’s Sundowns early warning – Stellies’ belief is high, there’s a lot of excitement’

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker hopes to get another win at the Athlone Stadium this weekend after a midweek victory against Marumo Gallants.

The Cape Town outfit will host the defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday. While Stellies beat Gallants by a solitary goal, Masandawana were held to a goalless draw by Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday.

Barker insists the confidence is high, which he believes will push his players to deliver against a quality Masandawana outfit.

Stellies' belief is high ahead of Sundowns' date

https://twitter.com/Masandawana/status/1961300948401172950

“I think it was very important for us to get the win against Gallants at home. The win got us up and running in the league and has to give us the confidence and belief that we can record back-to-back wins,” he said as quoted by the team's media team.

“The belief is high, and there is a lot of excitement in the camp around playing against a team like Sundowns, and it’s important to close off this block of fixtures on a high note by putting in a big performance.

“It would be nice to go into the break on the back of a win, and then have the FIFA international break and a cup final to look forward to, so it would be really good for us if we can finish this block strongly.”

Phili lauded for his impact

https://twitter.com/SAFA_net/status/1960691056971808848

Coach Berker further praised Langelihle Phili who scored the lone goal in the midweek match, and his third this season in eight games across all competitions.

“Major is enjoying his football, it’s the second time now that he’s come on and got the winning goal for us, first against AmaZulu and then in the mid-week win against Marumo Gallants.

“He’s a very talented player with a very high ceiling and an exciting career ahead of him. He’s integrated really well, and he’s taking the opportunities that he’s getting, so hopefully he can just continue to grow.

“I’m sure it won’t be long before he is named in the starting XI more often and can influence even more matches,” he concluded.

Phili is in the preliminary Amajita squad for the U20 Club World Cup to be played in Chile in the next couple of weeks.