By Michael Madyira
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker’s dream of reaching the MTN8 final has come true as the team prepares to face Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Barker won this cup as a player with Wits in 1995 when it was called the BP Top 8.
“When we got promoted many years back, in our first season in the top flight, I said the MTN8 is the one,” Barker told the Stellenbosch media team.
“It’s a competition I’ve always wanted to be involved in as a coach.”
Stellies have been improving, nearly making the CAF Champions League last season.
They’re now in the Confederation Cup group stage and won the Carling Knockout last year.
“It’s not often that you get the opportunity to play in finals,” Barker said.
“We managed it 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.”
He said he always reminded myself and the players that they must not take reaching finals for granted.
“Being in finals is not easy; it takes special runs and special matches. We had to get past a team like Mamelodi Sundowns over two legs to get there.”
Beating Sundowns in the semi-finals makes Stellenbosch strong contenders against Pirates, who’ve won the MTN8 for the past two years.
Pictured above: Stellenbosch FC midfielder Jayden Adams celebrates his goal in the MTN8 quarter-final against TS Galaxy with teammate Antonio van Wyk.
Source: Stellenbosch FC
