‘Be careful what you wish for’ – Barker on MTN8 semi-final draw

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker insists they will be the underdogs when they meet Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final next month.

Stellies were drawn against the Buccaneers during the official draw conducted by the PSL on Sunday in Polokwane.

The draw also saw Kaizer Chiefs pitted against Mamelodi Sundowns in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The PSL has yet to confirm the dates and venues of the matches.

STEVE BARKER REACTS TO THE ORLANDO PIRATES CHALLENGE

Despite Stellenbosch beating Pirates in the first game of the season in the DStv Premiership, Barker says they go onto the match with nothing to lose.

“Everybody was hoping to draw Stellenbosch, but sometimes be careful what you wish for,” he said.

“We have nothing to lose, there will be the big favourites to go through and defend the trophy. So we can go there and just give it the best that we can, and hopefully we can have another big game in the final.”

IT WAS NEVER GOING TO BE AN EASY MTN8 SEMI-FINAL DRAW

“When you have Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns in the pot, no game would have been easy. We have played Pirates this season in the opener.

“But we all know Pirates are a good team. After they lost to us, they have scored nine goals [in two matches], and they are a really good team,” added Barker.

“So it’s a tough draw for us, but if you want to win trophies, if you want to be Champions at the end of the day, you have to beat good teams and we have to pass a good team in Pirates. So it will be a challenge, but we have to look forward to it and take on the challenge.”

Stellenbosch progressed to the last four after a hard-fought 1-0 win against SuperSport United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

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