‘Tough Nut’: Barker analyzes record-breaking Sundowns

Stellenbosh coach Steve Barker analyzes and looks at what makes record-breaking Mamelodi Sundowns strong, calling them a tough nut to crack.

Barker’s Stellenbosch succumbed to a 2-1 loss against Sundowns on Wednesday night at a rainy Lucas Moripe Stadium in the DStv Premiership.

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Speaking after the match as the reigning league champions claimed their eighth win in a row, Barker believes it will be tough to stop Sundowns.

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BARKER ANALYZES RECORD-BREAKING SUNDOWNS

Fresh from a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 on Sunday, Barker could not grab the full three points in Tshwane.

Looking at Sundowns’ fine run as they also set a new record of an unbeaten run of 32 matches, they now have 24 points on the log table.

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“Once you are already in that position and the quality of the squad that you have it becomes really difficult for other teams,” Barker told the media per Sowetan.

“But obviously Sundowns have got other competitions that they will be involved with, but fortunately for them, they have enough depth you could see they were able to make six or seven changes in their starting lineup.

“They will be a tough knock to crack and credit must go to them for their continuous domination of SA football.”

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BARKER ON WHY IT’S DIFFICULT TO FACE SUNDOWNS

The former AmaZulu mentor, Barker admitted that he was aware of difficulties in facing a strong side like Sundowns.

He also rued the absence of his key players such as Iqraam Rayners owing to injury while also losing Sibongiseni Mthethwa who joined Kaizer Chiefs last week.

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“Obviously, we knew coming into the match we knew it would be a very challenging task for us. Sundowns are the benchmarks of SA football and also one of the best teams in the continent, having gone unbeaten in 31 games,” he added.

“In our last five encounters, we have won two, drawn two and lost once. Now it’s six after this match. We showed that we are capable of taking on a team like Sundowns and beating them.

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“The key is normally, when we play them we cause problems in transition. But if a player like Rayners is not available it doesn’t help you.”