Stellenbosch FC’s 25-match unbeaten came to an end against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final but Steve Barker believes some of his players put up their finger for Hugo Broos who was present at the stadium.
Stellies came into the Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Sundowns on a run of 25 games unbeaten, as they had last lost an official game in September – to the very same Sundowns.
But the Cape Winelands-side suffered a 2-1 defeat after showing a good fight at Danie Craven Stadium.
Bafana Bafana coach Broos and assistant Helman Mkhelele were spotted at Danie Craven Stadium watching the game, and Barker believes some players raised their hands for selection.
“I thought it was a good reaction, I think it was clear for everybody to see that,” Barker told the media.
“also with the national team coach in the building, the players wanted to show that in position to position there’s players [here] for the national team, I do believe some players gained a lot of credit today but the mentality of the team was good.
“They came off disappointed, but I do believe they came off knowing that with a right sort of end of season, the right sort of pre-season, the right strategy going to next season there’s a lot of special things we can continue to do.”
Broos will announce his Bafana squad which will face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the coming weeks.
