Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker admitted the presence of Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele at their Nedbank Cup clash with Polokwane City did wonders for the likes of Devin Titus.

The Bafana Bafana manager and his assistant attended the cup-tie at the Danie Craven Stadium on Thursday as the Maroons ran out comfortable 2-0 victors over their Betway Premiership rivals to book a quarter-final berth.

Titus had a hand in both goals after his miscued shot went in off Bulelani Nikani on 12 minutes before he doubled the hosts’ lead with a well-placed strike from the edge of the box in the 37th minute.

The 24-year-old winger has become the club’s talisman following the departure of Iqraam Rayners to Mamelodi Sundowns in August 2024, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this season.

Titus’ performances were rewarded with a call-up for South Africa’s final two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and he made his debut in the 3-0 win against South Sudan on November 19, coming on for Thapelo Morena in the 79th minute.

Barker was pleased to see Broos and Mkhalele at their home ground and hailed another strong showing from his star player, who has bagged five goals in his last six games in the Ke Yona Ya Rona.

“It was nice when the national coaches also understand [how we play] and their presence gave the players a bit of a boost,” Barker said.

“I thought Devin took his goal really well and a little bit unlucky not to get a second goal. We did create a lot of chances and were really good in the first half when probably we should have scored more than we did.”

South Africa are back in action next month as they look to strengthen their position in Group C of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with matches against Lesotho and Benin.

Broos’ side are second in the group after four games, level on seven points with Rwanda (1st) and the Cheetahs (3rd).