Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker admits he's living in dreamland as he prepares his side for their second final in two seasons.
The Cape Winelands club are due to play Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this weekend.
Last term they scooped the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup with victory over TS Galaxy, on penalties.
Ahead of Saturday’s encounter, the head coach who led the team from the National First Division to the South Africa top-flight, explained that he’s already massively proud of the club’s achievements.
Barker said on IOL: “On the one hand, you do feel that you need to pinch yourself.
“The remarkable achievements that we’ve done in this short space – to have won a trophy and be in another final.”
Stellies have also reached a number of semi-finals in recent years and are competing in Africa this season after ending in third place last term in the Betway Premiership.
“I think the [MTN8] semi-final was our sixth consecutive semi-final in a row, and now to have qualified for the Confederation Cup group stages,” Barker added.
“So, there are times when you sort of look and say, this is like ‘pinch yourself’ type stuff. Is it really happening?
“But then, as you rightly say, on the other hand, it’s not surprising in terms of the foundations that have been laid down.
“Each and every season, from the NFD days, we’ve been building blocks and trusting in what we do. Trusting our processes and the really good recruitment, the [DStv] Diski Challenge programme, as well as the youth programme that is growing every season.
“I think obviously the experience you get from that [Carling Cup final] will stand us in good stead.
“We must look forward to the occasion. We must understand that playing in finals is a special occasion as a coach and as players and as a football club and for the fans.”
🗣️"...We want to create our own history by lifting the trophy."
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) October 2, 2024
Steve Barker has made his ambitions clear ahead of this weekend's #MTN8Final encounter against Orlando Pirates ⤵️
