Stellenbosch FC coach Gavin Hunt says his side must make home advantage count when they host in-form AmaZulu in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout on Sunday (kick-off 18h00).
Stellenbosch played at Danie Craven Stadium for the first time in 168 days last weekend but fluffed their lines as they lost 2-0 to Chippa United in the Betway Premiership.
Their problems securing home venues this season are well documented, and Hunt says that when they do get the opportunity to play in front of their own supporters, they need to make it count.
“We got a home draw, and that was important for us. Not that it makes it any easier, especially after last week's performance,” Hunt told reporters on Friday.
“Obviously, we want to put in a good performance and try to get through to the next round. It won't be easy. We're playing against a team that's won six or seven games in a row now, so they're in good form.
“But we really want to put things right. We want to make our supporters happy.
“Last week they came in numbers and really supported us, and we let them down. So hopefully we can put it right this week.
“I think that's important, to be up for the game, and then the result will take care of itself. We're looking forward to it.”
YOUNGSTERS GIVEN A CHANCE
Hunt also spoke about being forced to give youngsters more game time than he had initially planned this season because of injuries to senior players.
“A guy like Luthando Vena has played every single minute, I think, of every game. He's been thrown in at the deep end because Mosa Lebusa has been injured from day one, from the first game. So he's had to play,” Hunt said.
“Then you had Quwan Plaatjies, who did very well on his debut, obviously. And then you've got Raoul Daniels and young Shakeel April. These guys have been given a chance.”
Hunt says managing the game time of young players and maintaining their confidence is a key part of his role.
“Sometimes maybe they've had too much too early, but people don't see it like that. They ask, ‘Why is he not playing?’” Hunt said.
“But sometimes they need to be taken out of the team for a little while. That's the case anywhere in the world.”