Stellenbosch Coach Downplays Clash Between Toure and Stephens

Stellenbosch FC Coach Addresses On-Field Altercation

Stellenbosch FC’s head coach, Steve Barker, has downplayed the recent on-field incident involving goalkeeper Sage Stephens and defender Ismael Toure, referring to it as a minor issue.

Incident During MTN8 Victory

The incident took place during Stellenbosch FC’s MTN8 victory over TS Galaxy on Sunday, where Stephens allegedly headbutted Toure after a foul on the goalkeeper, raising concerns about team unity.

Coach Barker’s Perspective

Coach Barker quickly addressed the situation during the halftime team talk, attributing part of the incident to a language barrier, as Toure primarily speaks French.

“Toure is a volatile guy. Being French-speaking, sometimes he’s not able to express himself in English,” explained Barker.

Despite the altercation, Barker emphasized that emotions on the field can show that players care for the team. He assured that the issue was resolved during the halftime talk and that further action would be taken if necessary.

Stellenbosch FC’s MTN8 Success

Following their victory, Stellenbosch FC secured a spot in the MTN8 semifinals, where they will face Orlando Pirates. This achievement marks the fourth consecutive cup semifinal appearance for the Winelands side, showcasing their consistent performance in the competition.