Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says he is disappointed not to have claimed maximum points against Sekhukhune United this past weekend.
Stellies were forced to settle for a point after playing out to a goalless draw against Sekhukhune at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
The Maroons have now extended their unbeaten run to 20 matches across all competitions and are now two points clear of their nearest rivals in second place with 39 points.
Stellies will now turn their attention to their upcoming Nedbank Cup quarter-final fixture against SuperSport United at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“The conditions made it difficult, probably for both teams,” Barker said during his post-match interview, highlighting the gusts of wind that surpassed 70km/h at stages throughout the encounter.
“It was difficult to keep the ball and create opportunities, so it was just about trying to deal with and play in the conditions as best we could.
“In the first half, where we were against the wind, we subdued them and didn’t allow them to keep us in our own half for too many long periods so I thought it was a good half from us coming in at half-time.
“I was hoping that in the second half with the wind, we would be able to play a bit more and create more opportunities, and I thought we were unlucky [not to score] after some goalmouth scrambles and good saves from their ‘keeper.
“They looked dangerous on transition from time to time but it was ultimately pleasing to keep our third clean sheet in the space of a week, and in difficult conditions at that.
“I am a little bit disappointed because were maybe a little bit unlucky not to get maximum points, but I am also pleased that we didn’t concede.
“The players showed a different side to themselves, rolled their sleeves up and played a different brand of football to what we normally would like to play, but the conditions forced us.”
Stellenbosch FC against SuperSport United is scheduled to kick-off at 3pm on Saturday.
Photo by Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
