Steve Barker has opened up on whether he would like to face Kaizer Chiefs in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup’s group stages.
The Stellenbosch coach successfully guided his side to this season’s group stages after easing past Primeiro de Agosto in the second qualification round.
Fellow South African side Kaizer Chiefs also booked their spot in the group stages after defeating AS Simba.
Now, given the competition rules, there’s no country restrictions in the group stage draw. This means two clubs from the same country can be pooled together and face-off in the group stages.
Barker doesn’t mind facing Kaizer Chiefs in the group stages
Barker has since confirmed that facing Kaizer Chiefs in the group stages isn’t something he’s against.
In fact, the experienced coach believes it will be something that could actually benefit his side.
Given the huge distances between countries in Africa, away games in continental competitions are always a challenge. According to Barker, a short trip from the Western Cape to face a team he knows inside-out like Kaizer Chiefs in Gauteng, is something he will gladly take.
“It’s a difficult one in terms of traveling and knowing the opposition, yes. I wouldn’t mind having Kaizer Chiefs in our group because that would mean one less travel. So in terms of that, I wouldn’t mind having them in our group,” Barker said as quoted by Soccer Laduma.
CAF group stages draw dates
The CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group stage draw takes place on 03 November 2025.
Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch will find out their Confederation Cup fate. Furthermore, Mamelodi Sundowns will find out who their Champions League opponents are.
Orlando Pirates unfortunately missed out on qualifying for the Champions League group stages after falling short in the second prelimary round.