Barker marks his 300th top-flight game as a coach

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker will mark his 300th top flight game as a coach on Thursday when his side host Polokwane City in the second round of the Nedbank Cup.

On Tuesday he shared his thoughts on the game and other issues with SuperSport.com.

On expectation of Thursday’s Nedbank Cup tie against Polokwane City

"Everyone knows Polokwane City are having a really good season, so we do anticipate that for us to advance, we will have to be playing at our best. Maybe in the last couple of games we haven't been at our best. But fortunately, a lot of the players that weren't available, especially against Kaizer Chiefs, it seems like the majority of them will be available for Thursday evening.

"The only absentee is obviously (Lehlohonolo) Mojela, who is out long term, as well as Athenkosi Mcaba. But otherwise, everybody else comes into reckoning. We do have the two suspensions, Sihle Nduli as well as Kyle Jurgens, but we’re looking ready forward to the game. It's a cup competition.

"It's always nice to play in these types of competitions, especially when you’re three games away from another final. So, starting with Thursday, it’s important for us to get past Polokwane and then we can take it from there. Having qualified for two semifinals in the last two seasons, we really want to go one further and get into the final, and hopefully from there, actually go and compete and win the trophy."

On the performances of Polokwane City this season

“They've been effective at what they do, especially with a player like Oswin Apollis, you know, he's a bit of their talisman. He plays in a type of position where he 'cheats a little bit', which makes him dangerous on transition. And obviously he's smart with his decision making and the quality of his passing.

“They've got a solid defence. I think they had a bit of a setback with (Thabang) Matuludi’s injury but seasoned centre back (Ndamulelo) Maphangule has done well in the midfield and their wingers have ability.

“They seem to be a tight knit sort of team, working hard for each other and taking the opportunities when they have been presented to them, and being quite difficult to break down. We have played them in the league this season already, a 1-1 result where we took the lead with a really good goal.

“They managed a set-piece deflected goal. So yeah, they are having a good season. But it's again up to us, it’s our home game, our own ambitions, to ensure that we get past Polokwane City on Thursday and get ourselves into the quarterfinal.”

On the hurt of losing at the semifinal stage in the last two Nedbank Cups

“Hard, especially the loss the previous year on penalties to Sekhukhune United was really hurtful. And, you know, subsequent to that, in terms of penalty shootouts, we’ve tried to find a way where we mustn't lose another penalty shootout. It's obviously always a 50-50 situation, but we've really worked hard on that, and we've subsequently done well in them.

“Then again, it was disappointing against (Mamelodi) Sundowns (last season). They should have probably had a red card earlier in the game but ended up winning the game 1-0. We were a little bit unlucky again not to advance. So I think those sort of memories and that hurt of not making the finals, and then when you've tasted a final, you know, just the joy of being in a final, I think it’s ignited something in the players in terms of cup competitions. And again, the Nedbank Cup offers opportunity to play in Africa. And having tasted playing in Africa, I think that's also got the players understanding that there are two ways to get into Africa.

“It's either through the league in the top three positions, or alternatively by winning the Nedbank Cup. So we’re desperate to get ourselves there. I think we've learned and got a consistency in cup competitions, but also understanding that it just doesn't happen. You've got to work for it. It doesn't get given to you. If we want to get into the next round, we have to go and earn it.”

On the difference between their cup and league form this season

“Obviously this season, our log position is maybe not where we want to be. But we do still have games in hand against Magesi and two against Royal AM, so it is an area where we have to be better. We must not try and run away from that. League form has to improve, but cup competition is different. It's a one-off game. 

“There has to be a winner on the evening and maybe sometimes that just sparks and ignites something different in the players. And having good success in cup competitions also gives you the confidence that you can win a trophy.

“So I do think that sometimes a cup competition has a different mentality to the league. It's a shorter race, maybe there's a little bit more impetus, whereas the league is over a longer period of time, and it's more about the consistency over the 30 games that is important.”

Attention returns to the Nedbank Cup this week 👊 pic.twitter.com/CvG6ST7EHa

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) February 10, 2025