Barker sends message to Stellenbosch’s ‘doubters’ after CKO success

Steve Barker has sent a message to Stellenbosch FC’s doubters after they lifted their maiden trophy in the top-flight, winning the Carling Knockout Cup on Saturday.

Stellies defeated TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

This was also Barker’s first trophy in the DStv Premiership in what was his second cup final. The Durban-born coach lost the Nedbank Cup final to Moroka Swallows in 2009 when he was still mentoring AmaTuks.

Barker was asked about how he felt having proven wrong those who never believed lowly Stellenbosch had what it takes to claim a cup glory.

The Stellies gaffer said doubters must continue beholding them as minnows as it allows them to prove a point.

STEVE BARKER SAYS THEY DON’T DOUBT THEMSELVES

“We don’t doubt ourselves, I think that’s the most important part and the belief on what we can achieve and on what we are doing as a team,” said Barker.

“I think it’s now 12 games unbeaten, if you take out the win of the penalty shootout, I think it must be 10 wins and one draw out of the last 12.

“So, if anybody keeps on doubting us, I hope they continue to doubt us cause we are a team that’s good enough to prove a lot of people wrong.

“So, winning a trophy in this period of time that the club has been in existence, it just takes me again to all the hard work that everybody puts in.” 

Barker went on to stress the importance of consistency for them to stay at the top end of the league table and compete for all trophies. He also expressed his side’s ambitions of playing continental football in the near future. 

Stellenbosch will travel to Polokwane for their next clash against Sekhukhune United in the league on Friday, 22 December. The match is at the Peter Mokaba Stadium at 5:00 pm.

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