CAPE TOWN – Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has openly expressed that lifting the MTN8 trophy has always been one of his biggest dreams, and he believes his team now has a real opportunity to turn that dream into reality.
Stellenbosch FC faced the media ahead of their crucial MTN8 final clash against Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium this weekend.
The Cape Winelands side will be aiming for a better outcome this season after narrowly missing out last year, determined to turn the tables and claim victory when they take the field this Saturday.
Barker reflected on his long-held dream of winning the MTN8, describing it as a truly special and coveted trophy.
“You can ask the club, you can ask the players, the day we got promoted to the PSL, I said to the players that the best trophy to win in a season is the MTN8 because you’ve earned it,” said Barker.
“It’s not easy to get into the top eight, especially when we started in the PSL.
“I’ve told them I’ve always had a dream and a vision personally to lift this trophy. Personally, my desire to lift this MTN8 is higher than any other trophy. I believe that lifting the MTN8 is just really special.”
Barker has made it clear that his team is not traveling to Mbombela simply to add to the occasion, but rather with the firm intention of competing fiercely, showing resilience, and fighting hard to achieve a positive result.
“I have a vision, I’ve seen it, I’ve lived it – I’ve won it. I’m sure the players are on the same mission as me, which is to go there and to just really go and play with our hearts on our sleeves,” he said.
“Do things differently, be brave, be courageous, go and obviously defend well.
“We do know that if you don’t defend well against a team like Pirates, it’ll be difficult. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’re not going there to make up numbers. There are two teams left, one last team standing.”
Image: @StellenboschFC/Twitter.
