Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker was full of praise for his men after a 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership.
Stellies were looking to bounce back, as they had lost two consecutive games before the Sundowns encounter. Barker was happy to have collected a point.
The 53-Year-old mentor says his players showed commitment and followed their game plan, though the weather conditions was against them at some point.
“I think the overall result in a match, we really pleased with getting a point against a really good team,” said Barker after the match.
“I felt that the commitment of the players, the attitude, the execution of the tactical game plan was really of a high level. And the focus and concentration throughout the game I thought was commendable.
“The first half, I felt that we limited them to just a couple of half chances from set pieces. We knew tactically that they would have a lot of possession and have players playing forward.
“We had hope that we will be able to catch them on transition with Ashley Du Preez’s pace, which we did, which led to a penalty and I thought going into halftime, I thought we deserved the one-nil lead.
“Second half was a little more difficult in terms of them having the conditions in their favour, and they did start the half well. And eventually, the pressure that they had has led to the equalizing goal.
“I felt thereafter we regained composure and got back into the match, and looked dangerous on some counter-attack situations. They also had some good possession, which led to some set pieces and corners that we had to deal with.”
Barker also praised two young players who made their DStv Premiership debuts, saying they had a good performance.
“Also really proud of one or two of the players that could debut starts, Solomon Letsoenyo our left back was really good in the evening, His first PSL start, as well as Athenkosi Mcaba also really good performance from him.
“As a youngster, come into our left centre-back position, I thought he really played himself well, and obviously a young midfield, Ibraheem Jabaar and Jayden Adams, I thought they applied themselves and held their own against some of the best midfielders in the country.
“But all round, really pleased as a football club to be able to stand up after two disappointing losses. To get a point against Sundowns at home. The key part now is just to regroup, refresh tomorrow and another big challenge awaits us on Wednesday, but looking forward to the challenge.”
