Stellenbosch FC tactician Steve Barker has revealed how he thrives on unlocking potential in players that are rejected by DStv Premiership clubs.
The soft-spoken mentor is currently enjoying a purple patch with the Western Cape-based side in the league and knockout competitions too.
And their latest exploits in the Cape Derby where they beat Cape Town City FC left them in the DStv Premiership top three.
As it stands, they have 23 points on their tally although they are seven points shy of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Stellies have been so perfect in their last four games which they won albeit without conceding while scoring eight times.
Further, it is during this impressive run that they booked a spot in the Carling Knockout Cup final. Equally important, they will meet TS Galaxy in the final slated for the 16th of December.
Moreso on Friday, they beat their cross-town rivals 1-0 courtesy of a priceless goal scored by Anicet Oura after 40 minutes.
And then, the Stellenbosch tactician Steve Barker has admitted that his latest recruits, including DStv Premiership rejects have helped his side turn a corner.
Against CT City, former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Darrel Matsheke was named Man of the Match, his second this season.
Furthermore, the likes of Oscarine Masuluke, Thabo Moloisane and Genino Palace also put in good shifts.
HOW STEVE BARKER HAS FINE-TUNED DStv PREMIERSHIP REJECTS
Barker said his strategy is to ‘work for them and they will reward us with good performances’.
“I care for my players. I will do anything for them. You get rewarded by the performance that they have been putting in week in and week out,” Barker said.
“If you look at the team this evening [Friday], five players that were recruited in the window. Oscarine [Masuluke], Moloisane [Thabo], Genino [Palace] , Oura [Anicet] and Matsheke [Darrell] all started.
“And some young players like Devin Titus. You have players that have been released like Matsheke from Kaizer Chiefs, Moloisane and Genino were relegated from Maritzburg[United].”
In addition, Barker said:”I think if you get players like that, you put your arm around and give them, the care and love they deserve.
“KG Sekgota [Kgaogelo], will come good for us. Besides, he also just needs alot of care and love. It’s about the environment.
“We are here to support players. Lastly, our motto is we work for them and they will reward us with good performances.”
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