Amakhosi not an obstacle for Barker
YOU’D think Stellenbosch FC would be a trifle miffed at how the Nedbank Cup regularly places Kaizer Chiefs in their path. The opposite is in fact true, in that the NFD club is rather chuffed to have another opportunity to face one of the biggest teams in the top-flight PSL.
The two teams clash in a Nedbank Cup last 16 fixture at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday night (8.15pm kickoff).
Last year Stellenbosch negotiated the tough qualifying rounds and, when they made it to the round of 32 of the Nedbank Cup, they were drawn to play Chiefs. They lost 3-0. This season, after again making their way through the preliminary stages, they went on to defeat NFD log leaders Highlands Park in the last 32. But, when the draw for the last 16 was made, who did Stellenbosch get? Yes, Chiefs again.
But Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker doesn’t see it as an obstacle – for him, it’s a chance for his players to show themselves and it’s an opportunity for the NFD club to gain some more valuable exposure. There is, after all, nothing better than some time in the spotlight.
“Yes, it’s a challenge, but it’s an exciting challenge,” said Barker. “Chiefs are a quality team and we can’t take too much comfort in the fact that they lost the (Soweto) derby last weekend. They will be looking to bounce back. They obviously have huge ambitions to win silverware this season – and this competition offers them an opportunity to do so. The mood in the camp is upbeat. Playing against Chiefs is an opportunity for the club, and the players, to do something special.”
Last year, when Stellenbosch lost to Chiefs, Sammy Troughton was the head coach, with Barker his assistant. This time, Barker is the man in charge, and the 50-year-old former Wits and SuperSport United midfielder has made no secret of his game plan. As far as he is concerned, the Cape Winelands team won’t sit back against Chiefs. To do so, he says, would be tantamount to football suicide.
“We cannot fool ourselves,” said Barker. “We will have to play to our potential; if we don’t pitch up, it could be a difficult evening. Besides their loss at the weekend, Chiefs have been in great form, so we will have to be at our best.
“Having said so, Chiefs are under pressure and, if things don’t go their way, that pressure could mount and they could get anxious. We have to make sure that we ask questions of them. Most importantly, we have to be brave. We cannot go there and defend for the whole game. We don’t have too much to lose, so I want us to be brave, to get the ball, keep the ball and put them under pressure.”
Both teams lost at the weekend – Chiefs to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch to loftily-placed NFD side Real Kings.