While congratulating Mamelodi Sundowns on their seventh consecutive DStv Premiership title, Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker says the Nedbank Cup is a different competition and they are ready to face the ultimate test.
Stellenbosch, who are on a 25-game unbeaten run in all competitions, host Sundowns in the semi-final on Sunday afternoon at the DC Stadium, with a spot in the end-of-season final on the line.
Barker said they are looking to test themselves against the benchmark team in domestic football.
“Congratulations to Sundowns for winning their seventh league title in a row,” Barker told the media.
“In the league, they were by far the best team and got the job done nice and early, so congratulations to them.
“We do play them in a league game in two weeks time, so maybe we’ll give them a guard of honour then but not on Sunday, it’s a different competition.
“But ja, well done to Sundowns. I think any team in South Africa, and we’re one of them, is that ultimately we want to also be challenging to win titles. So they are the benchmark, it’s a great opportunity for us as a club, as a team, and as individuals to gauge where we are.
“Obviously, we’re also having a really good season, but this is the ultimate test, in a semi-final of the Nedbank Cup, the cup of dreams. So definitely, it adds to the occasion. And it’ll be interesting to see our run and how we’ve done playing against them who also obviously, on a really good run of form, to see where we at.”
