CAPE TOWN – Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has expressed his hope that this season’s MTN8 trophy will find its way to the Cape Winelands, marking a proud achievement for the club and its supporters.
Barker’s team is set to host the in form Sekhukhune United at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday in the first-leg clash of the MTN8 semi-finals.
He expressed his ambition to one day lift the MTN8 trophy, reflecting on the team’s strong performances and consistent success over the past few seasons in the competition.
“I think obviously, if you look at the last couple of seasons in the MTN8, we lost in the quarter-final on penalties to [Kaizer] Chiefs and then the following year we lost in the semi-final to [Orlando] Pirates on an away goal and then last year we lost in the final to Pirates,” said Barker.
“If the trajectory continues, then hopefully the trophy will be ours this season.
“But no, just jokes aside, obviously being in another semi-final is just credit again to the club and the players. We’ve managed to be a team that, over the last couple of seasons, got into the back end of all competitions.”
Barker acknowledged that while winning the trophy is his goal, he is well aware it will be a tough challenge against Sekhukhune United, who arrive in Stellenbosch on the back of an impressive run of form in both the cup competition and the Betway Premiership.
Eric Tinkler’s side remains unbeaten so far this season and will be looking to continue with that in tomorrow’s clash.
“So we’ve missed out, unfortunately, last year being runners-up,” he said.
“So there’s a massive and high desire amongst the team, amongst the staff, amongst the club, to take it a step further.
“But first things first, we’ve got a tough opposition that we have to overcome in a two-legged match starting tomorrow.
“So our focus is on that to get past tomorrow and then focus on the midweek league game and then the return leg following Saturday. So really, looking forward to it.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm around the squad, a lot of energy amongst the players. It’s always exciting to be in the semi-finals, and especially that we’re playing at home tomorrow. It’s an opportunity for us to play in front of our home fans at our home ground.”
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