![STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 05: Head Coach, Steve Barker during the Nedbank Cup semi final match between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns at Danie Craven Stadium on May 05, 2024 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images),ñë®?Þúßuù]](https://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/8379/78a38dfeca2b46d2b3d173b42cc3766b.jpg)
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker says the lessons the team are learning from another semi-final defeat will help them in the future.
The Brazilians scored through Khuliso Mudau and Thembinkosi Lorch but Stellies got in the game a little too late after a goal from behind by Genino Palace.
"They are really a good team, so it was a good test for us, nice big crowd semi-final of a cup against one of the best teams on the continent, so it was a good gauge to see where we are as a football club and I thought we've done ourselves proud," Barker said on SuperSport.
READ | Downs to meet Pirates in Nedbank Cup final
"I thought we hung in the game there 2-1, I think maybe if we had scored ten minutes earlier maybe we could have got the second but ja a lot of lessons learnt. They scored their first goal when we had a player down injured, obviously they attacked on the right hand side Mudau with a goal and the ja, 2-0 down I thought it could be a difficult afternoon especially when they got a penalty.
"But ja, penalty missed, we score a little bit just after that and we were a little but unlucky to force something but I thought we played well especially second-half. I thought we got ourselves back in the game, we didn't allow them all the time and space to have in the first-half," he said.
"We were a little bit confident, use the ball better. Look to turn and get behind them which we did a couple of times. Congratulations to them, they go to another cup final, it's a second semi-final in two seasons we fall out, so it's all good lessons we're learning, I think it's preparing us well for the future."
Barker went on and said he's looking forward to a strong start next season if the core of the group, currently second in the DStv Premiership table, is retained.
"I think this team if we can continue as a team, start with this group and really start next season strong and challenge at the right end of the table, I believe this group can be competitive, both in the league and hopefully we can finish in the continental position. A really good group of players," he added.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!
