A warning to Mamelodi Sundowns & Orlando Pirates! PSL Coach of the Season nominee Steve Barker looking beyond Kaizer Chiefs ahead of Sunday meeting - 'Stellenbosch have ambition to win the league'

Stellenbosch have been one of the most consistent teams in the Premier Soccer League, always pushing for top positions as well as trophies.

In the last two seasons, they have finished inside the top four positions, despite losing some good players to rival teams.  

In the ongoing transfer window, Steve Barker has lost Sihle Nduli, Brian Onyango, Liam de Kock, Shaakir Ahmed, Ismael Olivier Toure, Faiz Abrahams, Fawaaz Basadien, Anicet Oura, Kyle Jurgens, and Thulani Mini.

Among them, Nduli, Toure, and Basadien were key players who made a positive impact on Stellies.

So far, only Vuyolwethu Andrieas, Siviwe Nkwali, and Muzomuhle Khanyi have joined the team, meaning the tactician will have to rely heavily on youngsters.  

Despite the quality of Mamelodi Sundowns, the 57-year-old is convinced his team can defy the odds to deliver the Premier Soccer League crown. 

"There is no doubt in my mind that we have the ambition to win the league, but I do know that in order to win the league, a team must progress each and every year," he told the media.
"We are showing the right progression, but we just have to hope that Mamelodi Sundowns finish below 70 points, because then anything is possible," Barker concluded.  

Barker and his team will be put to the test on Sunday when they play Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League outing.

Just like Stellies, Chiefs are aiming at finishing in the top positions by the end of the 2025/26 campaign.