Stellenbosch FC buoyed by 'good vibe' ahead of Kaizer Chiefs cup clash

Stellenbosch FC will enjoy "big energy and a good vibe" when they clash with Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday evening's Nedbank Cup quarter-final at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (kick-off 6pm).

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker said his team were excited about the possibility of reaching another semi-final. The Winelands outfit has made the Nedbank Cup last four in the last two seasons but remain the only club out of the quarter-finalists yet to reach the final of the elite cup.

Their opponents, Chiefs, are one of five former Nedbank Cup champions remaining in the tournament, along with Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, and Marumo Gallants.

"The players are excited for the match because it's another massive opportunity for us as a football club to try and get ourselves into yet another semi-final," said Barker.

"You know when you're going up against such an exciting opponent, there is always big energy and a good vibe because it is Kaizer Chiefs," he added.

"Ahead of Saturday's game, there is a lot of energy, excitement, and anticipation. Everybody's looking forward to the opportunity on Saturday."

After reaching the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, Stellies have the chance to make it a special season, especially as the club has already reached the knockout stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.

"We understand that, once again, we could create a special season for the club," said Barker. "We have already reached a final and the knockout stages of the Confederation Cup in our first attempt.

"We're going to be playing lots of matches, and it's about coping with all the fixtures. Managing energy levels and injury prevention will become more important than coaching sessions.

"I've always told the players that the better we do as a team, the more individual accolades and rewards will come. They will get recognition.

"I think we've shown consistency over some time now. You are doing relatively well as a team if there are more eyes on you and individuals start getting noticed.

"We are proud to have many players in the (Bafana Bafana) preliminary squad. Brian Onyango has also been called up for the Kenyan national team, and very likely, we'll have two more players away on duty for their country."

Barker said he is not losing sleep over playing against one of the PSL's 'Big Three.'

"I believe if we focus on what we can do and play to our abilities and strengths, we will be in a strong position," said Barker.

"We are aware of the threats Chiefs pose and must make sure we execute on match day. We need to show up on the day, so there is no sleep loss. We do understand that we have to be at our best if we want to win the game."

The Maroons are on a fine run of form and are unbeaten in their last six outings, with their last loss coming against Chiefs in early February. Stellies aim to add the Nedbank Cup to their trophy cabinet, having fallen short in previous attempts.

Chiefs, on the other hand, have struggled to find form, with two losses, two wins, and one draw from their last five Betway Premiership fixtures. They currently sit eighth on the log.