Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker admits he’s in a state of disbelief as he gears up for his team’s second final in two seasons. The Cape Winelands club is set to face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium this weekend.
Last year, Stellenbosch made history by clinching the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup with a penalty shootout victory over TS Galaxy. As he prepares for Saturday’s match, Barker expressed immense pride in the club’s achievements. “On one hand, you do feel that you need to pinch yourself,” he shared. “The remarkable accomplishments we’ve achieved in such a short time—winning a trophy and now reaching another final—are truly special.”
The team has also seen consistent success, reaching several semi-finals in recent years and competing in Africa this season after finishing third in the Betway Premiership.
The MTN8 semi-final marked our sixth consecutive appearance in semi-finals, and we’ve now qualified for the Confederation Cup group stages.
Reflecting on the team’s progress, he added, “At times, you look around and think, ‘Is this really happening?’ But it’s not surprising given the solid foundations we’ve built over the years. Each season, starting from our days in the National First Division, we’ve been laying the groundwork, trusting our processes, and focusing on effective recruitment and youth development.”
Barker believes the experience gained from last year’s Carling Cup final will be invaluable. “We need to embrace the occasion and recognize that playing in finals is a significant moment for coaches, players, the football club, and our fans,” he concluded.
As Stellenbosch prepares to take the field, excitement builds for what promises to be a thrilling clash in the MTN8 final.
