Coach Steve Barker says he has never felt threatened in his job as newly promoted Stellenbosch FC recorded a third win in a row at the weekend to move from the relegation scrap and into the top eight of the Absa Premiership.

Stellenbosch beat struggling Polokwane City on Saturday, thanks to a lone goal from new signing Ovidy Karuru to shoot into the top half of the table.

Barker admits the first half of the season had been a learning curve, and adds that the club's quicker-than-expected promotion to the top-flight had presented a challenge.

"People forget that we achieved what we wanted to do in five years, in only three years," Barker says.

"But we have got management that see the bigger picture and understand what we are trying to create.

"And I do believe we are creating something special from the bottom up. There has never been any talk of me getting the axe, there is belief in what we are doing."

He says after a tough run of fixtures, a surprise 4-1 success at Highlands Park has proved the catalyst for their improved fortunes.

"We had a fixture list in December and the early part of January where we played SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.

"The turning point was when we were down near the bottom table, feeling really flat, but went away to Highlands Park and got a 4-1 victory that gave us the belief that we can do it and that we belong in this league...

"It just shows that the league can change drastically, if you don't get points in next two or three games, you are back near the bottom."

While the football has not always been pretty, Barker says there has been no lack of effort from the Stellies players.

Stellenbosch are next in action away at struggling side Black Leopards on Sunday.