In-form Stellenbosch target third time lucky for elusive first final

For Stellies, this game could perhaps not have come at a better time, as they enjoy a hot streak of form in the league, after previously falling short in the MTN8 as well as last season’s Nedbank Cup semis. 

READ: How Stellies booked their spots in Carling Knockout semi-finals

Head coach Steve Barker is banking on their experience of these previous semifinal appearances to carry his boys through this time around.

"I think it's important to take our lessons learnt [in the previous] two semi-final losses on penalties and on away-goals, so it was difficult to swallow at the time, but I think those experiences will give us the knowledge of how to approach a third semi-final in a short space of time," said Barker.

"That's what happens in life – sometimes you don't overcome certain obstacles, but the important part is to learn from those experiences and make sure you take the next opportunity you get with both hands."

In midweek, the Cape Winelands side hammered a battered and bruised – and bottom-of-the-log – Cape Town Spurs 3-0, but they now face a well-rested Bay side.

Barker believes momentum will count in his side’s favour.

"I like the fact that we're playing a lot of matches, it always keeps you sharp and on your toes, and match ready. We're a club that wants to be competing at the top end of the table and for cups, so that goes with playing extra matches," he added.

"We need to embrace that we had a midweek game and they didn't, and it was a good performance so that belief and confidence from Tuesday can also be taken into Saturday."

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