Barker Eyes MTN8 Glory
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has expressed his desire to make history by lifting the MTN8 trophy on Saturday evening.
The Cape Winelands side will face Orlando Pirates in the final of the prestigious competition at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Barker, who previously won the trophy as a player, revealed that it has been a long-held ambition to achieve this feat as a coach. “When we got promoted many years back, in our first season in the topflight, I said the MTN8 is the one,” he said.
“It’s a competition that I’ve always wanted to be involved in as a coach, because as a player I won it in ’95 as a player when it was still the BP Top 8, so it is a special trophy to win.
“It’s an early-season tournament and winning it would give confidence for the rest of the season, a trophy and medals for the players, and good financial reward, so it would be a good start to win the MTN8.”
Barker’s side have already tasted success in cup competitions, having won the Carling Knockout trophy last season. However, they face a formidable opponent in Pirates, who have won three MTN8 titles in recent years.
“Pirates have had that experience over the last two seasons, and they’re going for a third which is a magnificent opportunity for them to make history, but we want to create our own history by lifting the trophy,” added Barker.
“It’s not often that you get the opportunity to play in finals.
“We did recently, about six or seven months ago, so to be in another final is exciting, not only for me but also for the players and the club.
“Everyone is looking forward to embracing the challenge that lies ahead. We had that taste of victory, and I think that taste of success has put the players in a really good space in terms of approaching the game with the right levels of commitment and desire against a really good team.
“…The experience gained from that will stand us in good stead.”
The coach believes that the experience gained from last season’s cup triumph will be invaluable. The players will have experienced playing in a final and that does carry over.
“But I remind myself, and I remind the players, that you must not take it for granted that we reach finals.
Barker emphasized the importance of cherishing the moment and understanding the significance of reaching the final. “It’s a special occasion for us as coaches, players, the club, and our fans,” he concluded.
