Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker admits Mamelodi Sundowns are the best team in the DStv Premiership but insists they are “rising quickly and not going to stop”.

The Maroons fell to their second consecutive defeat in the league following their 1-0 loss to champions Sundowns at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

Stellies currently sit in second place on the table with 50 points from 29 matches, one win away from securing their spot in the CAF Champions League next year.

Barker’s side will now take on Richards Bay in their next encounter at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, looking to walk away with all three points away from home.

“They are well-coached and play a really good line,” Barker said. “We know that one of the ways we can ask questions is with the ball over the top, but sometimes it was played a bit too early, or hasty, or too often.

“But at the same time, there are times when they have ten players in your half, so it’s not easy to play, and you get caught in a difficult situation.

“I thought we were good though, the effort was good and in many aspects we held them. You can see they are the better team, they are the best team in the league and you can’t hide away from that fact, but we will get there.

“We’re rising quickly and we’re not going to stop. We are coming…”

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