“He’ll bounce back”: Barker backs Mdaka after penalty against Chiefs

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker expressed his sympathy and support for defender Omega Mdaka after the player conceded a penalty in a 2-0 loss to his former club, Kaizer Chiefs.

The incident occurred in stoppage time during Sunday’s Betway Premiership match at Athlone Stadium. Mdaka, 21, fouled Chiefs’ Ashley Du Preez in the box, leading to a converted penalty by Godly Lilepo. The defeat was sealed, with Chiefs’ first goal coming from a Nkosingiphile Ngcobo free kick. Following the final whistle, Mdaka was visibly distraught.

Mdaka had previously left Kaizer Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge team in October 2023 after a dispute over being asked to be a ball retriever.

Despite the costly error, Barker praised Mdaka’s overall performance, even naming him a “Man of the Match” from his perspective.

“Well, obviously, I feel sorry for Omega,” Barker stated. “I thought he had a strong performance. He faced Ashley Du Preez, who is a tricky, quick, and fast player, and committed a penalty. But it’s not going to take away from his performance.”

Barker emphasised that he does not hold individual mistakes against players. “I already told him in the changing room that, for me, he was one of our men of the match. We all make mistakes, and I can’t take away from Omega’s overall performance.”

The coach acknowledged the need for learning from such situations. “Obviously, what we need to do is learn a little bit from such situations and maybe not necessarily give a penalty in that circumstance with Du Preez on the line, where he won’t be able to score.”

He concluded with a vote of confidence in the young player. “But Omega is young and learning, and he is growing fast, so this will be another lesson learned for him, and I’m sure he will bounce back stronger.”

Stellenbosch’s next fixture is an away league match against Magesi FC on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.