Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has revealed what the team psychologist told the players ahead of the historic Carling Knockout Final triumph.
Stellies won their first trophy since their promotion to the DStv Premiership after defeating TS Galaxy 5-4 in a penalty shootout at Moses Mabhida on Saturday.
The club also dedicated the win to their late defender Oshwin Andries who passed away in February this year. Barker days before the match, the club psychologist Heinrich Grobbelaar sent an emotional message to the rest of the team.
STELLENBOSCH TEAM PSYCHOLOGIST SENDS STRONG MESSAGE TO THE PLAYERS
“One of the big messages that we had going to this game,” said Barker.
“We have a performance physiologist who works with the team Heinrich Grobbelaar and one of the things that he presented to us was that everybody must just try, it’s an individual decision when you go to the final, think of someone that you want to dedicate it to.
“So that when the going gets tough and you literally say that it has to go to the last kick of the game if it has to go to penalties. As an individual, think of somebody that you are dedicating this match to which will just keep you and your energy to continue.
“Giving you the spirit to continue just until the end. As I said then obviously Oshwin we lost a soldier and it was nice for his mom and family to be here today,” added Barker.
HISTORIC CARLING KNOCKOUT FINAL TRIUMPH IN HONOUR OF OSHWIN ANDRIES AND CLIVE BARKER
“It was always in the back of our mind that we would like to do something special in his honour. Obviously, my uncle [Clive Barker] also, is looking down upon us very pleased and happy for me. So personally for him and Oshwin, it means a lot more to me winning this trophy because of that.”
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