Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says his side are ready and focused for their upcoming DStv Premiership clash against Royal AM on Saturday.

Following the international break, Stellies are set to resume their league fixtures when they welcome Royal AM to the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

The Maroons will come into this fixture on an 11 match unbeaten run in the league, with seven wins and four draws since their defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in September last year.

Stellies currently occupy fourth place on the table with 32 points from 19 games, while Thwihli Thwahla are placed 10th with 19 points from 19 matches.

Barker admits that he is rotating his players given their busy fixture schedule, giving each player a chance to showcase their talent.

“Preparations have gone well and sometimes when you have international breaks it’s an opportunity to regenerate physically and mentally,” Barker told his club’s official website.

“We had a good week. Myself and coach Wesley [Sergel] were away with the CAF A license course, so we left the team in the capable hands of coach Van [Evangelos Vellios] and the rest of the coaching staff, but it’s nice to be back.

“It’s a big game on Saturday and it will be nice to get back into league action at home. We’re looking forward to that and preparations have gone well.

“It’s a busy schedule for us ahead but it’s nice to be playing matches.

“You’ve got to be mindful of the players at this stage of the season so it’s a lot about smart selections, rotating players for the right situations and matches.

“Everybody in the team has played a big part this season and put their hand up when called upon. That’s given us the confidence to be able to use all of the players in the squad over the next four matches.”

Stellenbosch FC against Royal AM is scheduled to kick off at 15:30pm on Saturday.

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