Stellies confident of success

STELLENBOSCH FC, one of four Western Cape clubs competing in the NFD, will play their home games at Idas Valley.

“We have found a new home. “Last season we were homeless; we played our home games at Athlone and Parow, even in Durban, which made no sense… but that’s all a thing of the past now that we’ve found a venue in our area,” said Stellies coach Steve Barker.

“That’s going to give our fans the chance to support us and that I’m sure will lift the boys big time.

“We were on track for that to happen last season; we sat atop the standings before the wheels came off and we ended up finishing eighth out of 16.

That derailment was due to losing players to other clubs and injuries, as well as the squad being downsized.

Stellies play their first three NFD matches away from home, beginning with a bout against Royal Eagles at Chatsworth Stadium today.

Eagles were one of the struggling entities last season and needed a six-game unbeaten run at the back-end of their season to escape the drop.

“We want at least a point from this encounter against a foe we’ve yet to beat in the league,” Barker said.

“Never ideal to play your first three games on the road but that’s what we’ve been dealt, so we just have to get on with it and try and see how many points we can net.”

Barker said nine players have joined the club.

“I believe we have assembled a well-balanced squad that can go all the way,” said Barker.

Pirates striker Lerato Lepasa joins the winelands side on a one-year loan.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of the NFD. It’s an opportunity in a tough and competitive environment, one that I’m looking forward to,” Lepasa said

“While I’ve only seen a bit of Stellies I do feel I can fit in and do well.”

The other newbies are Daylan Hawkes, Bongani Mathebela, Sibusiso Mthethwa, Nkanyiso Zungu, Junior Awono, Mickyle Jackson, Angelo Kerspuy and Luvuyo Mkhatsane.