Steve Barker, head coach of Stellenbosch FC. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky, BackpagePix
THE biggest surprise package of recent seasons, Stellenbosch FC, have set their sights on another upset when they face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final.
Stellies sealed their place in the final of the Wafa Wafa competition for the first time in their history by confidently despatching one of the favourites, Mamelodi Sundowns, in the semi-finals.
Two unanswered goals by Fawaaz Basadien in the first leg as well as Bradley Mojela goal in the second leg were able to see the Cape Winelands-based club through to the title decider.
Defending champions Pirates are in their fifth final under head coach Jose Riveiro. And having won back-to-back MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles in the past two seasons, Pirates will head into that game on October 5 as the favourites.
Riveiro’s men eliminated SuperSport United in the quarter-final and Cape Town City in the semi-final to place one hand on the silverware and the winner’s purse that has been bumped up by R2 million to R10m.
Previous contests between these two sides have been unpredictable with Stellies building up quite a record against the Buccaneers.
Steve Barker has masterminded three wins in the past five meetings between the two sides, including a league double over Pirates last season.
The 56-year-old was very poised at the Moses Mabhida Stadium when addressing the prospect of facing Pirates in a cup match.
He acknowledged the experience and ‘magic’ that has carried Pirates over the line in recent seasons but also took the chance to remind the media of his side’s potential and promised the final would not be as easy as many expect it to be.
“Last year we had some good encounters with Pirates. We also played them in the semi-finals of this tournament. Unfortunately, we lost on away goals and in the league we beat them,” he explained.
“So they’re really good team and I think they’ve gotten even better, so it will be a tough ask when the team is going for a treble. The coach and the team seem to be doing very well in cup competitions so I would see them seeing themselves as cup specialists right now.
“It would be interesting to know who coach Riveiro would’ve wanted in the final after watching today. We will give them a good challenge and we are not (going into the final) without a chance.”
It will be at least another month before Stellies have to worry about the MTN8 as they shift their focus to AS Vita, whom they face in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup in two weeks in Cape Town.
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