Latest news with #SteveBarker
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Cape Town City's PSL status still in balance after Stellenbosch FC derby draw
Haashim Domingo Cape Town City's Haashim Domingo battles away against Stellenbosch FC in the local derby at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Cape Town City's Premiership fate is no longer in their hands. They have run their race and finished on 27 points – one point above the relegation zone. But instead of celebrating after their goalless draw with Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape derby at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they will have to wait until the SuperSport United and Golden Arrows replay 45 minutes – effectively one half – of their abandoned clash due to loadshedding back in February. SuperSport United are a point behind City on 26 points after losing 2-0 to Richards Bay, but still have their get-out-of-jail card available after the PSL's ruling last week. Stellenbosch, meanwhile, have secured third place after Arrows beat Sekhukhune United 3-2, to ensure Steve Barker's team will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup again next season. Stellies reach the semi-finals of the continental competition in their first effort this season. City may yet rue not taking advantage of a host of opportunities in the Cape derby, with Gabriel Amato creating an early chance with a right-footed volley skimming the Stellenbosch crossbar. The Citizens' desperation was evident as they continued to pour forward in search of a much-needed goal. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Experienced midfielder Thulani Serero also found space on the edge of the box, rifling in a shot that forced a double save from Oscarine Masuluke. Central defender Lorenzo Gordinho also had an opportunity immediately after the halftime break when his glancing header nestled into the bread basket of the Stellies goalkeeper. But with City foraging forward, they also left themselves exposed at the back, and against a team with the quality that Stellenbosch possess, they were fortunate not to be punished. Stellies weathered the storm and began creating opportunities of their own, with striker Ashley Cupido working his way down the right touchline before sending in a good cross that found Andre de Jongh unmarked.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Cape Town City's PSL status still in the balance after derby stalemate with Stellenbosch FC
Cape Town City's Haashim Domingo battles away against Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape derby at DHL Stadium on Saturday. Picture: BackpagePix Cape Town City's Betway Premiership fate is no longer in their hands. They have run their race and finished on 27 points - one point above the relegation zone. But instead of celebrating after their goalless draw with Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape derby at the DHL Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they will have to wait until the SuperSport United and Golden Arrows replay 45 minutes - effectively one half - of their abandoned clash due to loadshedding back in February. SuperSport United are a point behind City on 26 points after losing 2-0 Richard Bay, but still have their get out of jail card available after the PSL's ruling last week. Stellenbosch, meanwhile, have secured third place after Arrows beat Sekhukhune United 3-2, to ensure Steve Barker's team will compete in the CAF Confederations Cup again next season. Stellies reach the semifinals of the continental competition in their first effort this season. City may yet rue not taking advantage of a host of opportunities in the Cape derby with Gabriel Amato creating an early chance with a right-footed volley skimming the Stellenbosch crossbar. The Citizens' desperation was evident as they continued to pour forward in search of a much-needed goal. Experienced midfielder Thulani Serero also found space on the edge of the box, rifling in a shot that forced a double save from Oscar Masululeke. Central defender Gordinho also had an opportunity immediately after the halftime break when his glancing header nestled into the bread basket of the Stellies goalkeeper. But with City foraging forward, they also left themselves exposed at the back, and against a team with the quality that Stellenbosch possess, they were fortunate not to be punished. Stellies weathered the storm and began creating opportunities of their own with striker Ashley Cupido working his way down the right touchline before sending in a good cross that found Andre de Jongh unmarked. The New Zealander headed powerfully in the direction of the City goal, but Darren Keet, who was playing in his 100th match, palmed the ball to safety. Stellenbosch particularly went on the offensive shortly before halftime when Sanele Barnes, Devon Titus and Fawaaz Basadien called Keet into action to make a flurry of saves to keep City's hopes of staying in the Betway Premiership alive. While City will be sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the conclusion of the Arrows-SuperSport United clash that will hopefully be scheduled for this week, Stellenbosch FC can look back at another hugely fulfilling season where they competed valiantly on all fronts. Barker's men reached a first-ever MTN8 final, enjoyed a brilliant CAF Confederation Cup adventure that ran all the way to the semifinals and secured third place in the Betway Premiership yet again.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
High-stakes Cape PSL derby: City fight for survival as Stellenbosch eye continental spot
Steve Barker Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker will hope his team can secure third position. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Cape Town City will host Stellenbosch FC in a derby that carries weighty consequences at both ends of the Premiership table. This eagerly anticipated clash at the Cape Town Stadium, the final league fixture of the 2024/25 season for both sides, comes with significant ramifications. Stellies are aiming to secure third place and a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup, while City are fighting to avoid the relegation play-offs. Stellenbosch go into the weekend on 47 points, three ahead of Sekhukhune United in fourth. A win will confirm their continental qualification, regardless of other results. On the opposite end, 15th-placed City sit on 26 points, just one behind Golden Arrows and SuperSport United, and must win while hoping Abafana Bes'thende and Matsatsantsa drop points to avoid the dreaded play-off spot. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Your votes were counted and your voices heard 🔥 Introducing your Rama Fans Player of the Season – Sihle Nduli 👏 — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 23, 2025 'When the fixture list came out right at the start of the season, I already anticipated that it would be a great way to end the campaign with a massive derby between the two clubs,' said Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker ahead of the clash. It's a match-up that has developed into one of the more competitive rivalries in the top-flight, but form and momentum lean heavily in favour of Barker's side. Stellenbosch have enjoyed another strong campaign, with 13 wins, eight draws and only six defeats. Their last outing was a 2-1 victory over SuperSport United, further highlighting their consistency in the business end of the season. They've now collected four wins from their last five games. Coach Diogo Peral's City, in contrast, have endured a largely frustrating season. A tally of 15 defeats and just seven wins tells the story of a side that lacked spark and struggled for goals, having scored just 15 times in 29 matches, while conceding 31. Their recent 2-0 away win over Polokwane City offered a lifeline, but it's still a case of needing a result – and a bit of help – on the final day. SuperSport United and Cape Town City fighting relegation is still a shock to me bro.#BetwayPrem — Sinethemba Mbatha (@SnezzyMbatha) May 20, 2025 City's home record has also offered little comfort this season. Their inconsistency at Cape Town Stadium has been one of their major weaknesses, while Stellies have travelled well, showing tactical discipline and attacking intent away from home. The head-to-head stats make for further grim reading if you're a City supporter. Stellenbosch are unbeaten in their last five meetings with their Cape rivals, including a comprehensive 3-0 win in the reverse fixture this season. City have managed only one draw in that period, with four defeats. Barker's side have shown a strong blend of structure and flair, and in a game of high stakes, that might prove decisive once again. For City, this is less about tactics and more about desire. It's their last chance to avoid a two-legged relegation play-offs stage that could define the club's immediate future. Saturday's derby might have been marked on the calendar for entertainment – but it now arrives as a final exam for both teams, with vastly different prizes on the line.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Tylon Smith has the attributes to be a really top-class defender, says Stellies coach Steve Barker
Amajita star defender Tylon Smith has earned the praise of his Stellenbosch FC club coach Steve Barker. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker believes Amajita star Tylon Smith has a 'really bright future ahead of him.' Smith was recently named Player of the Tournament at the Afcon U20 Championships in Egypt, where the central defender played a pivotal role in South Africa annexing their maiden continental U20 title. Amajita defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final, avenging the 1997 defeat to the North Africans. Smith, along with fellow Stellenbosch rookie Langelihle 'Major' Phili, were greeted with a hero's welcome by their fellow players at the club's annual awards banquet upon their return from Egypt this week. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Stellies right-winger Faiz Abrahams was also part of the SA U20 squad, but was not present at the awards. 'Obviously, I'm very proud of what the players have achieved at the U20 Afcon,' Barker said. 'All of the players, Faiz, Major (Phili) and Tylan really are doing not only the club proud, but also doing South Africa proud. 'So, really pleased with their contribution as we are with Monet Crumpton, the goalkeeper coach. Really, really well done to them.' The focus will, however, be on Smith after the defender's inspirational displays for Amajita, which also included a crucial goal in the semi-final victory over Nigeria. The 19-year-old has signed a professional contract with Stellies, but is yet to make his debut in the Betway Premiership. Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is proud of his young charges in the Amajita squad. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Stellenbosch FC braced for a ‘spicy' clash against neighbours Cape Town City
Steve Barker and Co will look to secure CAF qualification this weekend by beating Cape Town City FC in the Betway Premiership. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix As the Betway Premiership season races to its conclusion, Stellenbosch FC are ready to channel all their energy into what promises to be a "spicy" derby clash against Mother City rivals Cape Town City. Over the weekend, Stellenbosch secured a hard-fought victory over SuperSport United, helping them stay firmly on course to clinch a third-place finish and a coveted CAF Confederation Cup spot for next season. Following Saturday's triumph at the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker underlined the significance of the upcoming derby during a post-match interview. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ "One more big game next week against Cape Town City in the derby. The importance of this match cannot be underestimated, as both clubs are keen to secure bragging rights in this local rivalry," said Barker. "So, no rest for any of us. It's a derby that probably has a bit of spice to it. It's going to be a really big game for both clubs." Barker is determined to harness the team's current momentum for one final push, urging his players to dig deep: "It's important for us to just get over this game, and we have one big final effort left in us for the season." A win on Saturday would guarantee Stellenbosch a third-place finish on the league table – a significant achievement for the club for the second consecutive season. Remember the name ⭐️ — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 18, 2025 Barker also expressed enthusiasm for the team's continued participation in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competition. He views the opportunity to face Africa's elite clubs as a vital part of the team's development. "I think we all, as coaches and players, want to be playing against top opposition – the best on the continent," said Barker. "This season, we had the experience of playing against teams like Zamalek (of Egypt) and Simba (of Tanzania), and that gave us important competitive exposure." Reflecting on their maiden CAF campaign, Barker described it as a steep learning curve. 'In our first season in the African club competition, we learned a lot of lessons, and I think going into it again, we would be better prepared,' he noted. 'We also have a desire to win any competition we play in. The gents were at it again 😅 — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 18, 2025 'It's just made us smarter, wiser, and more able to assert game management. There's no reason why we can't believe we can continue to challenge at the top.' Barker confirmed that the club is actively exploring potential signings to strengthen the squad. Stellenbosch are expected to make a few key reinforcements ahead of the new season. Renowned for having one of the best scouting networks in the league, Stellenbosch's recruitment efforts could once again redefine the team's dynamics. Each addition has the potential to shape the club's trajectory in the fiercely competitive landscape of South African football.
