Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker admits they tried to be “too smart and clever” and found themselves suffering a defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Maroons’ three match winning run in the Betway Premiership came to an end after they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.

The defeat sees Stellies remain in fourth place on the log with 44 points, having won 12, drawn eight and conceded six defeats in 26 matches.

Barker says he was disappointed in his team’s performance but has urged his side to keep pushing as they continue to fight for a top three finish.

“We’re obviously disappointed in the start that we had,” Barker reflected. “Against a team like Sundowns, you can’t be giving soft goals away so early in the game, and then, when after 15 or 16 minutes you’re three-nil down, it’s basically game over.

“…Sundowns are a very sharp team in terms of forcing errors if you try to get too smart and clever. Unfortunately, we tried to be too smart and clever and found ourselves three-nil down.

“I had a good chat with the players and tried to highlight the fact that, before the game started, we were one point behind Sekhukhune United with a better goal difference.

“It was about damage control after that, hence also making subs at half-time for players that are on three yellows, like Devin Titus. It then became a case of managing the game as best we can, not to suffer more damage, and give ourselves an opportunity with two games to go to fight for third.”