Stellies coach Barker hoping to end winless run - 'Opportunities need to be taken'
Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker believes a victory in the upcoming Cape derby on Friday can help turn his side's fortunes around.
Stellies head into the game in dire form, humiliated by Soweto giants Orlando Pirates 4-1 last week and having their winless run extend to nine games stretching all the way back to October last year.
Despite the poor form of the Cape Winelands side, Barker is confident that a derby victory against Cape Town City is just what his team needs to pick up form again.
"I do think so," he told reporters when asked whether a win can in-still confidence within the squad.
"Obviously, I'd be very surprised and disappointed if we and the players weren't up for the challenge of a derby game.
"You know, Friday night at home, under the lights, the stage is set for both teams to be able to come out and perform to their full potential."
Stellies have had the upper hand in Cape derbies recently, winning three out of the last five matches. However, they haven't entered a derby in such dire form, but Barker is confident that his side can seize the opportunity to beat their local rivals.
"As you rightly say, we have been really competitive in derby matches.
"Obviously, the situation is a little bit different right now. I'm very confident that games like these are opportunities for the team to turn things around.
"You know, a victory Friday night at home can give us confidence and belief as a team. So, it's a great opportunity [and] opportunities need to be taken.
"We have to be up for it, we have to prepare well, be mentally challenged for the challenge that lies ahead."
Barker had plenty of praise for his opponent, who have shown good form of late, winning two from their last four matches, including a 1-0 win