Stellenbosch FC Look to Gain Early Edge Against Sundowns in Betway Premiership Clash

• Steve Barker has dropped his view ahead of Stellenbosch FC's mouthwatering clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership this weekend
• The Stellenbosch FC head coach talked about taking an early advantage they have over the defending champions when they host them at Athlone Stadium
• The South African tactician also looked forward to playing against his former players, Iqraam Rayners, Jayden Adams, and Fawaaz Basadien, who now represent Sundowns

Stellenbosch FC are looking to capitalise on their early advantage as they prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns in a crucial Betway Premiership clash this weekend.

The Stellies have had a rough start to the season, coming into the tie against the Brazilians with a defeat to Orlando Pirates, and they also lost to Kaizer Chiefs earlier in the campaign.

Sundowns have also had a poor start to the league despite remaining unbeaten. They were unable to get a positive result against Kaizer Chiefs in their last league fixture and will need all three points when they face Stellenbosch at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

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Barker on taking early advantage against Sundowns

Steve Barker, in an interview ahead of the match against Sundowns, claimed they are looking forward to taking advantage of the extra day of rest they had before facing the defending champions.

“I think we’ve come off the travel from Pirates; we didn’t come back, we went straight to Polokwane,” he stated.

“To have qualified for the final and getting our first home win, and maybe having an extra day because Sundowns played Chiefs and then had to travel, I think it’s what we need.

“I think we need to put in a big effort on Saturday, and then we have a FIFA break.”

The South African manager also reflected on facing his former players, Iqraam Rayners, Fawaaz Basadien, and Jayden Adams, now thriving at their new club, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Rayners joined the Brazilians last summer, with Adams teaming up with him in the January transfer window. Basadien is the last to join the pack as he joined the PSL giants this summer.

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Barker expressed his pride in their progress and wished them continued success.

“It’s always great to see your former players doing well, so it’ll be nice to catch up with a few of them this weekend,” Barker added.

“But we’re also aware of the quality they bring. If you don’t contain someone like Rayners, he’ll punish you.

“We know what they’re capable of, and hopefully, we can manage that. Still, it’ll be good to see them on Saturday.”

Stellenbosch FC are currently sitting 13th on the Betway Premiership table after gathering four points from four matches. They lost to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the league but are in the MTN8 final.

Barker urges fairness ahead of MTN8 final against Pirates

Briefly News earlier reported that Barker insisted on fairness ahead of Stellenbosch FC clash with Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final in September, 2025.

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The Stellenbosch FC coach wants no controversial moment in the tie after last season's situation.

Source: Briefly News