Barker relishes titanic clash against defending champions Zamalek
Stellenbosch FC head coach, Steve Barker says the club wants to make its own mark on the continent through their maiden TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup appearance.
The South African coach was reacting to Thursday’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final draw that saw the tournament debutants pitted against reigning champions and Egyptian giants, Zamalek SC.
The two sides will lock horns in a double-legged tie that will determine whether the South Africans’ dream debut impressively moves into the semi-finals, or the Egyptian giants continue with their title defence.
Established just eight years ago and already making an impressive mark on the domestic scene, the Steve Barker led side have a massive hurdle ahead of them in facing the two-time champions, which is a challenge the coach says his side relishes.
“I think playing a team of such calibre of Zamalek is exciting. A giant on the continent of Africa, serial Champions League winners, defending champions of the Confederation Cup so I think there is a lot of excitement and anticipation for that clash. Looking forward to it because they are a team that is well established with massive pedigree behind them. There is a big challenge ahead of us but one that we relish. We look forward to playing in these competitions against teams like Zamalek”, said Barker.
Commenting on the difference between the two sides, Barker said they would have been “underdogs” no matter which team they were drawn against and theirs was to make their own mark on the continent.
“We were always going to be an underdog no matter who we drew, but we pride ourselves in being a team that is full of commitment and resilience. We want to make our own mark on the continent, and this provides us that opportunity”, concluded the coach.
The first leg will be played in Cape Town on 2 April, with the return leg set to take place in Cairo seven days later on 9 April.
Interesting facts and statistics on the eight remaining clubs can be viewed HERE.