Barker reveals formula behind Stellies' strong start: 'Short term risk, but long-term reward'

• Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker says their strong start in the Premiership comes down to their foundations and patience, which started in 2019.
• The Cape Winelands outfit remains unbeaten in the DStv Premiership after nine matches and are currently second on the log standings.
• Barker reveals that the current form is a collective team effort.

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker has revealed the formula behind the club's early success in the DStv Premiership.

The Cape Winelands outfit currently sits comfortably in second position with 19 points, the same as log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, after Tuesday's emphatic 1-0 victory against Kaizer Chiefs.

After nine matches, Stellies and Masandawana remain the only two sides yet to taste defeat.

"It's looking good. Obviously, we have had a fantastic start," Barker told reporters after the match.

"We have had as many wins in the league now than we had the whole of last season. We have taken 13 games unbeaten if you include the four games from last season.

"So we are in good space; we are in a good position. I have always felt after 9 or 10 games it will be a good barometer to see where we are as a team.

"So, we are doing well, but it's important that we remain humble, to continue to work hard and to continue building our belief and our confidence as a team."

However, Barker admits that he may have to credit the patience the club has taken in the past two to three years since they arrived in the DStv Premiership in 2019 following promotion from the GladAfrica Championship.

"I think the foundation of the success of this season was laid, even two seasons back, it continued last season although we had a difficult season," Barker continued.

"You know we were building; foundations were being built, giving opportunities to young players like Jayden Adams, the continued growth of our NFD players like Allen Robertson, people like Sibusiso Mthethwa and Dean Van Rooyen and Ashley Du Preez.

"I always said that when we play younger players, it is short term risk, but long-term reward, and I think we're starting to reap the reward of that patience.

"I do think that the foundations and a couple of additions to the squad, people like Julian Mendieta and Stanley Dimgba, took a while to get accustomed as foreigners, and they are starting to find their feet.

"But a lot of consistent performances week in and week out from all the players have put us in this position."