Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker elated by Pitso Mosimane's visit ahead of Zamalek SC Caf Confederation Cup clash - 'It was nice to just hear from him, just the mentality, the emotional sort of engagement that the players have'

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is an elated man after South Africa's experienced coach Pitso Mosimane paid them a courtesy call before a Caf Confederation Cup tie against Zamalek SC.

Stellies will host the Egyptian heavyweights on Wednesday, and before the showdown, Mosimane, a Champions League and Premier Soccer League winner, visited the club.

Barker said the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach talked with his players in order to motivate them ahead of the first-leg showdown.

“It was nice to have Pitso. He was here, and it would not be wise of us, with him being in Stellenbosch, not to use the expertise and knowledge he has, obviously having coached in Egypt and having played a number of times against Zamalek,” Barker told the media.

“It was nice to just hear from him, just the mentality, the emotional sort of engagement that the players have. So, to have that experience with someone who’s won the Champions League was very good for us to hear, and also for the players to also get insight from him.

“It's nice to be in Cape Town; it's nice to be back home and hosting, obviously, one of the giants of African football, so I believe it's a momentous occasion for us as a football club. We’re looking forward to it. We know the challenges that lie ahead, but, at the same time, I believe we earned the right to be here... we deserve this opportunity,” Barker added.

The visit by Mosimane could prove vital for Stellies before they take on Zamalek, a side that the tactician faced several times when he was in charge of Al Ahly.

Zamalek and Al Ahly are top Egyptian rivals, and having played against them, Mosimane could have given Stellies insights on how to beat their continental rivals.

The ball is now in Stellies' court to implement what Mosimane shared with them.

Stellies must capitalise on their home advantage to win at Cape Town Stadium before they take the trip to the North ahead of the second leg duel.

The return leg will be held on April 9.