Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker believes his side will face the toughest test of their unbeaten run against Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday, who he says have turned a corner after a poor start to the season.

Stellies have enjoyed a fantastic unbeaten start to their league campaign with them sitting in second place on the log, only behind defending champs Mamelodi Sundowns.

In eight games, the Western Cape side have picked up four wins and four draws to remain unbeaten. However, that record will be under threat according to Barker, who knows his team will face a Chiefs squad who is starting to find their confidence.

“Yes, I do [believe it will be the biggest test to their unbeaten run], I think for various reasons, and I think obviously because of the quality of the opposition,” he said.

“They also seem to have turned the corner, and some [of the Chiefs players] show the confidence and belief, with some of their high-profile players starting to have an impact.

“You know, this is also our fifth away game in nine [outings], that is also not easy to keep travelling. So, ja, it is going to be a big test, but at the same time we rather look at it as a big challenge. I think it will be a good indicator of [how far] we have come as a team, what we are capable of achieving. So, I think it will be a good barometer for us to see where we’re at.”

Barker picked out Bafana Bafana star Keagan Dolly as one of the biggest potential threats. The winger has seemed to find his feet and fitness after an indifferent start at Naturena.

“I think obviously he is showing the quality he has and everyone knows he possesses. We definitely cannot allow him the freedom and the space, especially in the final third,” he continued.

“But it is not only him [Dolly], the movement of their front three is very good, you know they have got good quality midfielders, and defensively they are solid.

“These are signs of a team that is well coached and it is starting to show at Chiefs. There are a number of players we have got to be aware of but, yes, Keagan does pose a big threat for us,” he concluded.