Stellenbosch Head Coach Steve Barker says it was disappointing to lose to Mamelodi Sundowns in stoppage time on Saturday, but says the league leaders’ quality shone through when it counted.
Sundowns came from behind to snatch a 2-1 victory in the weekend’s only DStv Premiership game, when Peter Shalulile headed in Aubrey Modiba’s cross in stoppage time, and Barker says it was a tough result to take.
Barker feels Sundowns were there for the taking in the first half, but his team failed to capitalise on the chances they created.
“Again a bit of a bitter pill to swallow,” Barker said after the game.
“The second time now, in the last two-three weeks that we’ve taken Sundowns, in Nedbank it was 2-2 and then just before penalties they scored late, and again today to concede close to the end of the game. It’s really (disappointing).”
“I think we gave as good as we got. And you know I felt Sundowns probably first half, it look like they were there for the taking. But they came out in the second half strong. Pressed us more, had more energy, which led to the equalizer but as I said earlier, the last 15-20 minutes, it could have gone any way.”
“But ja, people criticize Sundowns for the amount of money they spend. But that’s why they spend the money, for moments, like that, in the 94th minute, quality cross from Modiba, Shalulile, quality header. Instead of walking away with one point, they walk away with three, so ja, very disappointed in the final result, but not at all disappointed with the performance.
