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07 February 2020
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker can barely believe that it has been 11 years since he led unfancied second-tier side University of Pretoria to the Nedbank Cup final in 2009, but admits that achievement was a major boost for both he and his
players.
Barker will lead Stellenbosch against Maritzburg United in the Last 32 this year when they clash at the Athlone Stadium on Friday night, more than a decade on since AmaTuks narrowly lost 1-0 to Moroka Swallows in the decider. That side would eventually win promotion to the top-flight, the Nedbank Cup run proving they could mix it with the country’s best, and their thrilling final appearance would also launch a number of careers. Andile Jali, Mthokozisi Yende, Mpho Matsi, Manti Moholo and Phenyo Mongala would all go on to become household names, among others in the side.
"I have been thinking about it, it was one of the sort of magical runs by a second division team, and we had some great talented players who went on to achieve a lot in their careers thereafter," Barker said. "As a First Division team, if you get into a final people sit up and take notice and learn everything that you are about. It puts the spotlight on you."
Barker hopes for a repeat with Stellenbosch, though it would certainly be no great surprise were they to reach the final given the quality in his squad. "It would be nice to take Stellenbosch, a new club, far into the competition. We have some very talented players who deserve to be seen on the stage week in and week out. "Hopefully it will be a situation that launches careers again and puts the players in the spotlight, but not just them, us coaches and the club as a whole."Stellenbosch recently lost midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu to Orlando Pirates, but Barker says rather than being disappointed, they have been happy to provide the opportunity to the player, and perhaps more with a good Nedbank Cup run. "We want to develop players and if they can go on and play at a higher level and national teams, we feel we are adding value. "A player like Nkanyiso Zungu going to Orlando Pirates. For us it is not a blow, it is a great achievement to have played a role in his development and we wish him well.
"We also want to be a club in years to come when the opposite will happen, that young players will want to come to us because we are challenging for honours, but for now we know where we are, we know what we need to do and keep at it."
*The views represented are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of Nedbank.