Stellenbosch FC’s coach Steve Barker wants to win the Carling Knockout for the late Oshwin Andries who was stabbed to death earlier this year, and his late uncle Cliver Barker.
(Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
- Stellenbosch FC have reached the final of the Carling Knockout, despite losing key players every season.
- Barker, however, wouldn’t have it any other way as the club’s business model is one of the things that makes him proud to be part of Stellies.
- The former AmaTuks coach would like to lead his side to glory on 16 December in honour of his late uncle, Clive Barker, and the team’s promising prospect, Oshwin Andries, who was stabbed to death earlier this year.
- For more sports news, go to the News24 Sport front page.
The motivation for Stellenbosch FC to win the Carling Knockout at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 16 December goes beyond just the desire to give the club its first major trophy.
It’s also about honouring two fallen figures who are close to coach Steve Barker’s heart and showing that investing in the youth can be rewarding if properly followed through.
Stellies cruised to the final of the Carling Knockout after thumping Richards Bay 3-0 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
They will return to Durban for the final in two weeks to take on either AmaZulu or TS Galaxy at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 16 December. Two of the three top goalscorers, Devin Titus and Antonio van Wyk, came through the club’s youth structures and were part of the side’s successful DStv Diski Challenge campaign in the 2021-22 season.
READ| ‘His whole family was there’: Saddened Stellies coach opens up on Oshwin Andries death
Anicet Oura, the third scorer, was scouted from ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast, replacing Junior Mendieta who had made a big money move for the club and player to join Mamelodi Sundowns.
“We were each asked (before the semi-finals) what made you feel special to be part of this group. I actually said to be a part of this club, we don’t buy opportunities, we create opportunities,” said Barker after guiding the club to their first-ever final.
“That’s the way we do things, and we will continue to create opportunities. (Former Stellenbosch player) Olwethu Makhanya was in the stands today, coming back from the MLS (Major League Soccer in the US). It looks like he has Adidas sponsors, he is looking sharp, and to see somebody like that coming back to support the team is special.
“A player like (former captain Sibongiseni) Mthethwa SMSes us and says well done for reaching the final. We create opportunities and we don’t buy them.”
This will be Barker’s second major final as a coach. In 2009, he led a young University of Pretoria side to the Nedbank Cup final where they lost to Moroka Swallows. The AmaTuks team had many future stars, including Andile Jali whom Barker was nudged in his direction to sign by his uncle and legendary Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker.
The passing of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach is not the only death that Steve Barker has had to deal with this year.
“At the beginning of the year we lost one of our soldiers in Oshwin Andries (who was stabbed to death in February). I lost my uncle Clive,” said Barker.
“I dedicate going to the final to Oshwin and Clive. I grew up in Durban as a youngster, hopefully I can come back in two weeks’ time and do them proud, do the club proud by going all the way and win the final. Getting to the final is one thing, now the objective is to win the final.”
Stellies reaching the final is a good testament to the rewards of backing the youth. Despite being owned by the financially strong Remgro group, Stellenbosch have taken a noble approach in building a strong team.
They have invested heavily in the youth, backing them even when it looked like the kids might not be alright.
“Laying the foundation helps to achieve long-term success,” said Barker.
“There were times when in the second year of our promotion we were almost relegated. Jayden Adams then only had 20-30 caps. Devin Titus had a few caps. We were a young team.
“The second-year syndrome is always difficult. I always said it’s about short-term risk but long-term gains. We are starting to see the rewards of investing in young players, giving young players an opportunity and it can be seen. Players have gone and we have the ability to be competitive.
“Sihle Nduli stepped up and is doing a good job replacing a player like Mthethwa. Darrel Matsheke is also doing a good job. Junior Mendieta left and we got Oura Anicet. We also have (Kgaogelo) KG Sekgota and Antonio van Wyk in those positions. It’s also about good planning, having a long-term vision and knowing that we will lose players but having contingency plans.”
Stellenbosch and their supporters arrived later than they would have wanted at King Zwelithini Stadium. The club arrived just before the checking of the registration cards of the players, to ensure that those who would be representing the team are eligible and registered with the Premier Soccer League.
Barker blamed this for their slow start, with all three goals coming in the second half after a lethargic first few minutes.
The club’s supporters arrived just before half-time after making the long drive from Stellenbosch to Durban.
“It took us 21 hours to get here. But I told them in the bus, don’t worry, in the first 15 minutes nothing is going to happen but when we arrive the sparks are going to fly,” said self-proclaimed Stellies’ No 1 fan, Robin Jacobs.
“It’s a more than 40-hour drive for only 90 minutes. But it’s worth it. We will be back again in Durban in two weeks’ time to take the cup. This is our cup.”
Stellenboch’s self-proclaimed No 1 fan, Robin Jacobs, was among the club’s supporters who took a 21-hour ride to get to Durban. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
When Jacobs and his crew arrived, Stellenbosch were fired up and started the second half brightly. Titus scored just six minutes into the second half. The Cape winelands controlled the match from there on until the final whistle. Their loud supporters were stationed behind Stellenbosch’s bench, fueling the side to make history.
“It does feel like it is our destiny (to win the Carling Knockout), but we can’t get ahead of ourselves,” said Barker. “Maybe it’s all the years of me supporting Carling Black Label that I am getting something from them.”
The success intends to hold on selling some of its key assets if those players are keen to stay on for a bit so that they can ensure that supporters have more than a good business model to be happy about.
“Eighteen months ago, we sat and we said that there’s a core group of players that if the club wants to be successful, wants to win trophies and compete at the top end of the table, must keep together,” said Barker.
“Those are players like Jayden Adams and Devin Titus. Hopefully they are committed to the club and want to be here long term, which they have shown by signing long-term contracts. If we show we can win trophies and we can compete at the top end of the table, then there’s no reason for the players wanting to leave.
“Why would you want to go to a bigger club that’s not winning and not challenging for things? Hopefully by being successful and doing what we are doing, those players this is where they will want to be and will be.”
Recent Comments