• Barker reveals Stellies' advantage over Sundowns
• Masandawana played against Chiefs on Thursday
• Stellenbosch host Downs for Nedbank Cup game

WHAT HAPPENED?

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has revealed what gives his team an advantage heading to the Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns. 

Masandawana rarely rest since the start of the season due to participating in many competitions. They have played twice in a space of four days this week, while Stellies got at least three days of full training.

Barker believes the fact that Sundowns played against Kaizer Chiefs on Thursday, while his boys were resting, presents a good chance for his side to win on Sunday. 

WHAT BARKER SAID

"I think it is the first time as a club competing in all fronts, so we want to do well in the league and finish in that position two," Barker told the media.

"It is in our minds to reach the final of the Nedbank Cup. I think, fortunately, we will play on Sunday. It's an extra recovery day and we have three days to fully recover, Sundowns had a match last night against Kaizer Chiefs.

"We felt that we just have to focus on this game and make sure we put the best team and get a positive result. We did try to take a couple of players off to try and keep them fresh and we had a couple of yellow cards and we didn't want a second yellow and then a red card," he continued.

"Our last three games against SuperSport United we scored four goals and then five against Polokwane City and another three against Golden Arrows.

"One can only give credit and be proud of what the players are doing, and the way we are playing and creating goals," he added.

"To see the attacking players week-in and week-out keep getting on the score sheet is amazing. I think that's the reason we are a difficult team to play against currently.''

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This is the Stellies' second successive time to reach the Nedbank Cup last four, having been knocked out at the same stage by Sekhukhune United last season. 

Winning against the Premier Soccer League champions, the Cape Winelands-based club would be stretching their remarkable unbeaten run to 26 matches this season. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

Barker will be hoping to guide his team to the final by defeating the Tshwane outfit and winning the Nedbank Cup for the first time in the club's history.

Stellies are currently placed second in the PSL standings and they are looking to secure a top-two finish in order to qualify for next season's Caf Champions League.