Stellenbosch vs AmaZulu: Sometimes you just have to find a way, says Stellies’ Steve Barker
Stellenbosch FC clinched a dramatic extra-time victory over AmaZulu in the MTN8 quarter-finals, with coach Steve Barker emphasising the importance of perseverance despite challenging conditions. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
In what was almost certainly the most exciting fixture of the MTN8 quarter-finals, Stellenbosch FC scored a dramatic extra-time win over AmaZulu over the weekend, and Stellies coach Steve Barker was left a relived figure after the final whistle.
That final shrill burst from the referee’s whistle was an exclamation mark of everything that had led to that point, and it’s not absurd to believe that Barker was glad such a battle was finally over.
AmaZulu stuck first in the 18th minute as Keegan Allan, but the lead was short-lived as Stellies equalised seven minutes later through Sanele Barns.
Barns bagged his brace much later in the clash, in the 69th minute. Again, one strike brought two as Tebogo Mashigo equalised for AmaZulu. That would be the final goal in regulation time as the troops moved into a rather unwelcome extra time. Langelihle Phili found the winner in the 108th minute of the encounter.
Barker Reflects on Tough Season Opener: Cramping, Challenging Pitch, and the Importance of Finding a Way to Win
“Like you saw, the players cramping, it was the first game of the season, playing 120 minutes. But it was a tough game, and I think the pitch was a little bit difficult. The ball sort of bounced a lot. It wasn’t really conducive to how we want to play,” Barker said after the match.
“But be as it may, if you ever want to win trophies and be in the semi-finals. Sometimes, sometimes you just have to find a way to win a game, and I think today we found a way.”
Arthur Zwane Reflects on AmaZulu’s Challenge Against Stellenbosch
As for vanquished coach Arthur Zwane of AmaZulu, he said: ”We always knew that it wasn’t going to be an easy one playing against a well-oiled Stellenbosch team.
“But we had to allow them to have the ball in areas where we knew they would not hurt us. I think we did tremendously well. At some point, you could see their frustration.”
Zwane also lamented how easily his side gave away possession.
“The problem we had was that whenever we had turnovers, we actually lost the ball cheaply.
“The goal that they scored came from those moments I just mentioned. I still believe that we showed them respect at some point, but whenever we imposed ourselves, we also put them under pressure.”