Stellenbosch FC are ready to continue with life without the services of striker Iqraam Rayners and ex-skipper Deano Van Rooyen, two players who have been key for them since the club's promotion to the elite division.
Both Rayners and Van Rooyen have left Stellenbosch to join Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates respectively.
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Stellies played their first game without the duo when they beat Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini 3-0 in a CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round first leg match played at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The Winelands-based side are set to welcome Nsingizini for the second leg match at the same venue this Saturday.
"One thing that we need to understand is that the tie is not over, the game is not finished. It's halftime. We have to come out next week, we have to show the same character, same attitude towards the game," said head coach Steve Barker in the post-match press conference.
"I can anticipate the opposition will come out, they have nothing to lose, they need to try and get back to the tie. We will expect a tough game, as today was tough. Ja, we're looking forward to it. We have to get back to Cape Town, try to get refreshed and regenerate and prepare for next week. It's a big week for us, we've got three matches in a week and ja, looking forward to it," he added.
Barker handed goalkeeper Sage Stephens the armband and started with new signings Sanele Barns and Lehlohonolo Mojela.
"One of key factors as a football club is resilience, resilience meaning ability to bounce back after a setback. Losing key players like Rayners and Van Rooyen is never easy, but at the same time, it provides opportunities for others.
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"We have a good group of young talented footballers that want to enjoy and play football and be successful. So, great response from the players. Life goes on, we have to try find different ways without those players and still win football matches," said Barker.