Stellenbosch FC’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] head coach, Evangelos Vellios, has explained what makes his working relationship with Steve Barker tick while yielding fruitful results for the club.
Vellios’ relationship with ‘Stellies’ first-team coach, Barker, dates back to the 2009/10 season during their time together at AmaTuks. At the time, Vellios was serving as the Tuks reserve team coach, with Barker being the senior team’s head coach.
The ‘Stellies’ DDC side coach described Barker as his mentor throughout the years. His working relationship has produced some noteworthy players including the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana international Grant Kekana, whom he coached at Tuks’ U-17 back in the day.
The duo’s working relationship continues to benefit the Cape Winelands-based side, contributing to nurturing the side’s future stars. For example, they have produced Devin Titus, Athenkosi Mcaba, Jayden Adams, and Antonio Van Wyk, to mention a few.
WHAT STEVE BARKER AND EVANGELOS VELLIOS’ RELATIONSHIP IS BASED ON
Vellios revealed that his relationship with coach Barker is based on trust and the support they get from the club’s hierarchy.
With a relationship that has spanned over 14 years, Vellios is certain that good things are yet to come from their strong working relationship.
“I think for us, it is very simple. Our organisation, from top to bottom, operate in trust. Steve Barker is my mentor, and it has been like that for so many years,” said Vellios.
“Someone who has graduated from this platform is Grant Kekana. He was someone that I coached from the U-17 to Castle [SAB League] when I was coaching the reserve team for coach Steve Barker at Tuks, all the way from 2009/10 around there.
“So, trust is very important and what I have with coach Steve and assistant coach Wesley Sergel is remarkable, coach Wesley and I are also friends from back then. We trust each other, and that’s the key.”
Vellios continued: “Also, the good structure and the support from the management—they are so passionate about the team. We get resources allocated for this team [DDC side].
“We got amazing support staff [Physio, Sports science, medical team and all of that], and great coaches who make sure we build a strong team or structures.
“Look at our Engen tournament team, which is now going for Engen nationals again, having won it last year. So, it’s just amazing what is happening at our club.”
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