Steve Barker’s half-time talk that inspired dramatic comeback against Pirates

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has revealed the half-time team talk that inspired his side to notch a dramatic comeback against Orlando Pirates.

Stellies came from two-goal down to beat Pirates 3-2 at Orlando Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Friday night.

The victory over Pirates moved Stellenbosch to the third spot on the league table with 26 points after 15 games. They have won eight games in the league, and drawn two while losing on five occasions.

Stellenbosch are unbeaten in their last seven games in the Premiership with their last defeat dating back to the 27th of September when they lost at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Western Cape-based outfit has been in a rich vein of form which saw them lift the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup trophy.

Stellenbosch defeated TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties at Moses Mabhida Stadium on the 16th of December in the CKO final.

STEVE BARKER OPENS UP ON STELLENBOSCH HALF-TIME TALK

With Steve Barker’s troops causing a big upset against Pirates, the tactician has revealed what inspired the impressive win.

“First half, we just didn’t play well enough, I thought our execution, our passing let us down,” said Barker.

“There were a lot of turnovers, we weren’t holding the ball and on transition, the final pass was overhit or underhit.

“I think we struggled a bit with the quick surface and first half I wasn’t happy with our performance. I duly explained and told the players that second-half we needed to come out and play with a lot more intent, a lot more courage and bravery.

“We can’t be respecting them the way we did in the first half. We have to be in their face and we just have to get the ball and start playing.

“I explained to them that we came back in the final to get a draw and got to penalties. So, I said if we can just get one goal back, we’re back in the game.

“When we went two-nil down, I thought it was gonna be those tough evenings. And it might end with 3-0 or 4-0.

“But I thought our substitutes were superb, Antonio Van Wyk came on and changed the game. [Nhlanhla] Mgaga on the ball was calm, Andre De Jong received the ball in the pockets.”

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