Steve Barker dares to dream of league title

At the launch of the 2025/26 campaign this afternoon in Johannesburg, Barker admitted that they have ambitions of winning the championship but quickly conceded that Sundowns, having won eight titles in a row, may prove too strong for them yet again.

Stellies have finished third in the league for two successive seasons now, and have proven their mettle since gaining promotion.

"There is no doubt in my mind that we have the ambition to win the league, but I do know that in order to win the league, a team must progress each and every year.

"We are showing the right progression, but we just have to hope that Mamelodi Sundowns finish below 70 points, because then anything is possible," said Barker with belief. 

READ: Mamelodi Sundowns stand firm as Peter Shalulile draws foreign interest

He also declared that the Brazilians are again the favourites to win the title, given the quality of players they have at their disposal.

He says a lot of factors would have to go their way if they’re to be better than Sundowns over a 30-game period.

"Sundowns are beatable in a one-off game, but if you look at their quality and quantity of players, and their resources, they are the clear favourites.

"That said, favourites have been beaten in the past before. Deep in my heart I want to win the league, that is why I coach, and why the players play."

Stellenbosch open their Betway Premiership account by welcoming Kaizer Chiefs to the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday, and Barker says Amakhosi are exactly the opponent he would rather face on match-day one.

In what could be a bit of mind games from the former Amazulu coach, he says he has seen enough of them in pre-season to know what they’re planning.

Chiefs beat Stellies in all three of their meetings last season, including on their way to winning the Nedbank Cup.

Barker believes they were unfortunate not to get favourable results in those matches.

"It's important that one doesn't dwell on last season's results, however, in two of the matches against them last season, I felt as if we deserved more.

"The weight of expectation is more on our opposition than it is on us."