The match marks Stellies' final league outing of the year before the break for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

With recent performances offering a blend of encouragement and frustration, Steve Barker's side sees this fixture as more than a routine assignment.

Positioned precariously in the lower half of the league table, Stellenbosch are determined to end the year with a meaningful push that lifts them further from danger and restores momentum going into 2025.

Their latest continental outing — a 1-1 draw against Tanzania's Singida Black Stars — left Barker frustrated, not with his players, but with the officiating decisions that shaped the match.

Stellies had taken the lead before being denied what Barker described as a clear penalty, a moment he believes could have secured all three points.

"In my opinion, we should have six points," Barker said, reflecting on the two matches played so far.

"Unfortunately, a key penalty is not given to us when we're leading 1–0, which probably would have set us up for a comfortable 2–0."

Despite the disappointment, the coach praised his team's structure and discipline, highlighting their defensive resilience and their ability to carve out chances in transition.

For Barker, the performance reaffirmed that the group is progressing, even if certain moments have prevented results from fully reflecting their effort.

As Stellenbosch shift their focus back to domestic football, the Athlone Stadium encounter presents an opportunity to turn promising signs into a valuable three points.

With AFCON approaching and fixtures tightening next year, ending 2024 with a decisive win would provide the ideal platform for the challenges that lie ahead.

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