Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is brimming with confidence as his side prepares to face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final on 5 October.

Drawing inspiration from their three victories over Pirates last season, Barker believes Stellies have the potential to upset the defending champions.

The Cape Winelands outfit earned their place in the final by defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 on aggregate in the semifinals. Pirates, on the other hand, overcame Cape Town City 3-1 to reach their third consecutive MTN8 final.

The Soweto Giants are gunning to become the first side to win the MTN8 three times on the trot, having won the past two finals, played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium by beating AmaZulu and Sundowns respectively.  

But Stellies beat Pirates three times last season, winning both league matches and also the second leg semi final of the MTN8, but Pirates won 2-1 on aggregate after winning the first leg away.   

Despite Pirates’ dominance in recent MTN8 finals, Barker remains optimistic. “How much do you give us a chance?” replied Barker when asked how much of a chance does he give himself to beat Pirates. 

“Last year, we had some good encounters with Pirates and we also played them at this stage of the tournament and unfortunately, we lost on the away goals.  

“In the league, we beat them. So, they are really a good team and I think they have gone even better, they are on top of their game. 

“So, it will be a tough ask when a team is going for a treble (of winning the MTN8) of trophies in a row.”

Barker also praised Pirates coach Jose Riveiro for his success in cup competitions. “The coach Jose Riveiro and the team seem to be really doing well in cup competitions and I could see them as sort of cup kings or cup specialist right now,” he said.

“So, it does not make it easy. It will be interesting what coach Riveiro was thinking on Sunday who he would have like to play in the final. 

“I do think that we will give them a really good challenge and we are not without a chance.”  

Meanwhile, the PSL has yet to announce which venue will host the MTN8 final on 5 October, but it will be announced in the next coming days.  

However, Barker said he would love to come back to Durban to play the final and Pirates will welcome that as well due to their good record at the venue.

Interestingly, just like Pirates has won the past two MTN8 trophies at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Barker’s side won their maiden trophy at the same venue last year when they defeated TS Galaxy on penalties to claim the Carling Knockout trophy.