Stellenbosch FC manager Steve Barker has lauded the achievements of South African clubs in this season’s CAF competitions, describing the triple semi-final qualification as a defining moment for the country’s football.
Barker’s comments follow Stellenbosch’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, while fellow Premier Soccer League sides Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have both booked places in the last four of the CAF Champions League.
“I think we’ve shown that we’ve improved a lot in a short period of time,” Barker said. “We know we won a cup [Carling Knockout] in our domestic league last season, and this season we were in the final of the MTN8 Cup. We’ve played teams like Orlando Pirates and Sundowns a lot, and we’ve held our own.”
With all three clubs advancing deep into continental tournaments, the success marks an unprecedented milestone for South African football.
For Barker, it’s not just a victory on the pitch, but also a reflection of long-term development across club and national levels.
He highlighted the impact of strong domestic performances against elite opposition, and how that resilience has translated into continental progress.
“The good performance of Pirates and Sundowns demonstrates the strength of South African football,” he noted.
The coach also drew a connection between the clubs’ continental form and the national team’s growing momentum.
After Bafana Bafana’s encouraging display at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, he believes the current landscape could set the stage for a return to the FIFA World Cup.
Looking ahead, Barker is gearing up for Stellenbosch’s semi-final clash in the Confederation Cup against Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
The meeting promises to be a stern test, but the coach is relishing the challenge.
“Initially, I expected to face Al Masry rather than Fadlu Davids’ team,” he admitted, referencing the surprise outcome in the previous round.
Despite the unexpected opposition, Stellenbosch remain focused and hopeful of progressing even further in what has already been a historic campaign.
As South African clubs continue to assert their presence on the continental stage, Barker’s praise underscores a broader sentiment—this season’s CAF competitions have signalled a resurgence for South African football, one built on ambition, resilience, and unity.
