Stellenbosch FC Steve Barker seeks MTN8 personal feat

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has explained why winning the MTN8 cup this weekend would be a matter of personal pride.

The Stellies face defending champions Orlando Pirates on Saturday in the MTN8 final, which he described as every player’s dream.

“I am excited and highly motivated. I think not only myself but the whole club…you just need to remember that it is not always every season that you get into final…people forget that getting into the MTN8 final is not easy,” Barker said.

“We deserved it. We have earned the right to be in the final, and now it is up to us to make use of this opportunity that has presented itself. We have worked hard to be in the final.”

Barker shared a personal experience of winning the cup for the BP Top 8 cup which is the forerunner to the MTN8.

“Winning trophies is always part of any footballer’s dream. 30 years ago, I won the BP Top 8 as a player. It is now the MTN8. Hopefully, I can win it as a coach as well,” he explained.

Barker was in action for Wits, now defunct, as they beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 in the final courtesy of Bradley Carnell’s brace to win the 1995 BP Top 8 cup.

This season, Stellenbosch reached the final after pushing aside Sekhukhune United. In the opposite camp, Pirates saw off Mamelodi Sundowns to reach the final.

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