Sometimes in football, timing is everything — and Stellenbosch FC are playing it smart ahead of their clash with Orlando Pirates on Wednesday evening.
The Cape Winelands outfit have deliberately kept one of their key players off the field, hoping to unleash him against the Buccaneers.
Why Sanele Barns Was Left Out
Attacking midfielder Sanele Barns raised eyebrows when he didn’t start against Sekhukhune United last weekend.
But coach Steve Barker explained the move wasn’t about form — it was about fitness.
Barns has been nursing a slight hamstring issue.
“He was actually in the starting lineup, but in the last 10–15 minutes of training, he felt a bit of pain,” Barker said.
“With so many games coming up, it wasn’t worth the risk. It was just precautionary.”
A Busy Schedule Ahead
The timing of this decision makes sense. Stellenbosch face Pirates at Orlando Stadium, and then only a few days later, they take on Sekhukhune again — this time in the MTN8 semi-final second leg at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on 23 August.
The team has already based themselves in Gauteng to avoid unnecessary travel.
“It won’t make sense to come back [to Cape Town],” Barker explained.
“We’ll stay here, go to Polokwane on Thursday, play Saturday, and then only return on Sunday.”
Building Squad Spirit
Beyond the fixture list, Barker also sees this as an opportunity for bonding.
“We’ll take the whole squad, not just 20 players.
It’s a chance to spend three or four days together,” he added.
That extra time together could prove valuable for a team still searching for their first league win of the season.
Can Stellenbosch Shock the Buccaneers?
With Pirates struggling to find rhythm, Stellenbosch might just sense an opportunity.
Resting Barns could turn out to be a tactical masterstroke — but whether it pays off will depend on how sharp Stellies are under the Orlando lights.
