Ahead of their Nedbank Cup last 16 game on Friday, Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker said his team will not be complacent when they face Milford, the team who knocked out Kaizer Chiefs in the last round.
The two teams will meet on Friday at the Princess Magogo team, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.
“Ja, excited once again to be involved in a cup competition,” Barker said.
“It’s always exciting, the Nedbank Cup is a is a massive trophy to play for, the cup of dreams.
“So, it’s nice to see teams like Milford also reaching this stage of the tournament, having obviously pulled off a giant-killing act in the last round.
“So ja, personally and as a club, we’re excited for the occasion.”
Barker himself once coached then second-tier Tuks all the way to the Nedbank final, and said Milford have nothing to lose, so they can’t be complacent.
“I think so,” he continued.
“I mean I know, when you are playing in a lower division there’s no real pressure on you, there’s nothing to lose, you’re on television, the occasion like sort of gives you a lift.
“It’s an opportunity for players to showcase their abilities, which they don’t often get the opportunity. So, ja, I’m well aware of these types of matches.
“I mean, we experienced that against Callies already. A tough match, which could have gone anyway, ended up in penalties.
“So it’s important that we’re not complacent that we don’t underestimate any opposition, because if you do so it will be at your own peril.”
It’s also another cup game on the road, after Stellenbosch won the Carling Knockout without playing at home once, but Barker said they are happy to play in Durban, a city that is always good to them
“So we do have some players from there,” Barker responded.
“So it’s always nice when they play down in Durban families come and support them. Y
“ou know, we’ve had some decent success in Durban, we like travelling to Durban.
“Its a nice place to be. And it’s a nice stadium to play at. Ja, it’s been a good hunting ground for us.
“So we’re back on the road again. We’ve had a bit of a breather from travelling, so looking forward to travelling (tomorrow).”