Steve Barker sets lofty CAF Confed Cup targets

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Barker reveals objectives for 2025/26 Confed Cup

Photo: Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has set sights on loftier ambitions in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup ahead of their clash against 15 de Agosto de Akonibe.

The first leg of the second preliminary round tie is set to be staged at Estadio de Ebibeyin in Equatorial Guinea on Saturday.

Having reached the semi-final of the competition on their debut season in the previous campaign, the Stellies mentor says they are fired up to reach the final this term.

“Once you've reached the semi-final stage of the competition, like we did last year, you don't want to take a step backward, so that's also the sort of stage of the tournament we want to be reaching,” Barker told Stellenbosch's media department.

"We fell one hurdle short of playing in a continental final, but now we have to start taking it just one step at a time again. Our first priority is getting into the Group stage, and that's our main focus for this match, and the we'll take it from there.

Barker went on to state that Stellenbosch will draw inspiration and pride from the respective South African national teams when they partake in continental duties.

“South Africa has shown that we are a footballing force to be reckoned with on the continent. You can look at the progress Sundowns and Pirates made in last season's Champions League, and us getting into the semi-final of the Confederation Cup,” he added.

"Our national team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, and our U-20s did us proud by reaching the knockout of their World Cup, so I think we are in a good and healthy space as a country.

"That's also why, when we play in these continental matches, we go in with the mindset that we're not only representing Stellenbosch, but that we are representing South Africa as well.