Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has stated the importance of not only starting the CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign with a win but also with a clean sheet saying it’s a habit his side has to be consistent in, in all competitions.
Stellies left it until late to score a goal in the Group C match against AS Otoho in Polokwane on Sunday. A result that saw them in second place behind leaders CR Belouizdad though both tied on three points. This was the first game in four matches Barker’s charges did not concede in all competitions having leaked in seven goals in their last three league encounters.
The coach said he hopes the clean sheet in the continental cup is something they continue doing even on the domestic front.
“I think obviously besides the CAF competition in our league situation it’s important that defending and being solid lays a foundation to win games and to attack opposition,” said Barker.
“But if you are not defending well and you are conceding it makes it more difficult. So, it’s part of our process that we need to be working on, and I felt that worked well. But there were times on the ball today where I felt we were a little bit not good enough, you know a bit too nervous, trying to play the final pass too early.”
“You could see that it’s a team that is lacking a little bit of belief and confidence right now, but it is a process that we are working on. And today was important no matter how we won the game with a late goal, whatever it took to get off to a block of four matches where we play two league and two CAF games it was important to give us a little bit smile on our face, a little bit of joy. Obviously, a big match coming up midweek.”
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