DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 01: Steven Barker, coach of Stellenbosch FC during the MTN8, Semi Final, 2nd Leg match between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on September 01, 2024 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker says the club could still look to reinforce the squad after advancing to the MTN8 final.
Stellies beat Sundowns 1-0 in the semi-final second-leg after a goal by Lehlohonolo Mojela and advanced 2-0 on aggregate.
Barker says it’s big achievement for them to make another cup final after winning the Carling Knockout in December last year.
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“This is huge, to make a second semi-final in a space of six, seven months is really incredible. I mean the top eight is one of the hardest competitions to get to a final. To be able to get past a team like Mamelodi Sundowns over two legs, is just incredible for us as a team,” Barker told SuperSport after the game.
“Really happy for our supporters, a pity they couldn’t be here in numbers to support us but this is for them back home. Hopefully, the final will be accessible and we can go to the final with our fans.
“I know in the end they hit the post twice but in the first 20, 25 minutes we also could have had a goal or two. It ended up being a tight game in the end but credit must go to the team.”
Barker went on and suggested that they were ready for the departure of Iqraam Rayners and had foresight when they made new signings.
“We felt a player like Rayners was always going to be problematic to keep him, coming off such a great season. So we do our homework,” the veteran mentor said.
“We’ve got replacements, Mojela is doing well, Sanele [Barns] is doing really well, Ashley [Cupido] just arrived, I know he will do well and ja, we’ll still look to strengthen in one or two other departments before the window closes.”
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