Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has admitted that he is concerned that many of his key players are out injured as they prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns.
Barker and his troops will travel to the City of Tshwane to face Sundowns on Wednesday in a DStv Premiership.
The coach’s worry is understandable as Sundowns have won their opening seven league games this season and are unbeaten in 32 matches in the league.
The Tshwane giants are at the summit of the log standings with 21 points, while Stellies are in 12th place with seven points.
They have only managed to win two games with a draw and four defeats in seven games.
BARKER TO BE WITHOUT FOUR KEY PLAYERS AGAINST SUNDOWNS
Steve Barker will most likely be without of his star striker, Iqraam Rayners, who sustained an injury against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 on Sunday at Orlando Stadium.
Rayners scored the only goal of the game as Stellies beat Pirates 1-0 in the MTN8 semi-final second-leg clash.
However, the win was not enough as Bucs progressed to the final on the away rule goal.
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The Soweto giants had won the first leg 2-1 away to Stellenbosch FC.
Barker is also set to be without his captain Dean van Rooyen and Fawaaz Basadien.
The duo has ruled out of the Sundowns game due to injury. In addition, Stellies will be without Jayden Adams due to suspension.
“We are a little bit depleted, Basadien and Van Rooyen, unfortunately, won’t be available.
On Rayners, we will have to assess tomorrow [ Monday], but it doesn’t look likely,” said Barker.
“And obviously Jayden Adams got his fourth yellow card, so we are short.
It is what it is. The big part is to be competitive as much as we can against Mamelodi Sundowns.
“So, Wednesday is going to be a struggle. But the lads always try to do well when their backs are against the wall.
“Imagine us, coming to Gauteng and beating Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, but yeah it will be tough.”