No fear, just excitement: Five days, two fiery PSL derbies for Cape 'baby' Stellenbosch

There was no tremor of fear or concern in the voice of Steve Barker when he glowingly spoke about what his Stellenbosch FC side would face in five days as they duel in a double Cape derby delight.

Tuesday evening (19:30), Stellies will trek from the Cape Winelands to Cape Town Stadium for a highly anticipated DStv Premiership clash against Cape Town City.

Erik Tinkler’s team is positioned directly below the log leaders and likely champions Mamelodi Sundowns (42 points), who are 11 points ahead and have two matches in hand.

City (31 points) are in contention with four other Premiership teams - Kaizer Chiefs (26 points, sixth), Orlando Pirates (28 points, fourth), SuperSport United (29 points, third) and Stellenbosch (28 points, fifth) - for the opportunity to compete in the CAF Champions League next season.

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The top two positions in the league secure this honour.

Then on Saturday afternoon, the Maroon-clad outfit are back under the familiar blue skies and greenery of Stellenbosch at the iconic Danie Craven Stadium, where they will come face to face against 16th-placed relegation-threatened Cape Town Spurs (10 points).

Ernst Middendorp, who replaced Shaun Bartlett late last year, will come to Stellenbosch searching for maximum points as they continue to claw their way out of the danger zone.

Barker and his team are aiming for six points in both upcoming fixtures, which would significantly boost their chances of securing continental football.

Despite lingering concerns about two massive fixtures, Barker focuses on channelling excitement rather than fear as they pursue this goal.

"Derbies are always exciting matches to be involved with, and to have back-to-back