After derby win, Stellenbosch are back at work

Stellenbosch players were back at training on Saturday and playing a practice match, even after their win in the derby over Cape Town City on Friday.

Stellies are getting ready for their first ever cup final appearance when they face TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout decider in Durban on Saturday, and coach Steve Barker says there is plenty of work to do before the match.

“The players that played a lot of minutes (against City) did regeneration, like ice baths, gym work and in swimming pool but we need to give those you didn’t play much, or at all, a chance to get some minutes under their belt, so we had a friendly against City Kings,” the coach explained.

“They were playing just to keep the match levels sharp and high. Then we have given the players Sunday off. We will go through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday training in Stellenbosch and then we are, fortunately, flying two days in advance.

“So we'll fly to Durban on Thursday, have a relaxed day on Thursday and then one final training session at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday and be ready for Saturday.”

Barker says they are planning something special for the squad to mark the cup final although it might not be natty suits for the occasion. “The way Galaxy dress we might be under pressure,” he joked.

“There are sort of things in the background that we're looking to do, so hopefully they do come off. It has been a little bit short notice to get everything done but it's not often you make a final, so we will treasure the moment and make the most of the moment.

“It's just such a pity for our fans that it is so far for them to travel but we are getting some buses. It's a long trip but hopefully we can reward them with victory but yeah, we will we will be doing something