Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker says his side has earned the right to be where they are as they gear up to face Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final first leg at home on Wednesday afternoon.
Barker’s side first time out in inter-continental competition saw them finish second in Group B with nine points having had to go through the preliminary stage. Meanwhile, the defending champions topped Group D with 14 points having not lost a match in the group stage.
Barker says though they feel privileged to go toe to toe with one of Africa’s best, Stellies’ record in the cup competitions in the last few seasons have prepared them for the moment adding that their performances in the Confed cup campaign also backs them as a worthy opponent who loves a good challenge.
“If we look back over the last couple of years and having played in the Carling final and having won that and playing in the MTN8 final, you know, it shows that the club is progressing,” said Barker.
“To be playing big matches, just the mere fact that we’re able to get past Sundowns over a two-legged affair to make the MTN [final], we had some really big matches that we’ve had to play. But I believe there’s always levels and playing on the continent, I think it’s a different level.
“To be playing a team such as Zamalek who are the defending champions and we know they’ve won not just the CAF Confed, but the Champions League, five times. It becomes a massive game for us.
“And I don’t think we’d be wrong in saying that this is one of the biggest games that the club is involved in. Obviously, it’s not just a once off game but a tie.
“So yes, we are privileged to be in this position, but at the same time, I keep wanting to remind everyone that I think we’ve earned the right to be on the same sort of park as a team like Zamalek.
“And a lot of people may believe we don’t have an opportunity, but you know our team is built on resilience, is built on the ability to overcome challenges and we are looking forward to this challenge.”
