Maiden cup final special for Stellies

On Saturday afternoon, Stellies will face TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Barker, who has been at Stellies for over six years and oversaw their promotion from the National First Division (NFD) has witnessed all of this team's highs. But admits this is a special occasion for the team from the Winelands. 

"When we won the league and got promoted in the last match of the season, to get promoted was one of the biggest [occasions] in the club's history. We didn't win the game, but we got promoted so that was a special occasion," he said. 

"There's been other special occasions, like the first time in an MTN8 quarterfinal at [Kaizer] Chiefs with the stadium packed the way it was at the time. Semifinal against [Orlando] Pirates, so there's been some really special games, but there's none that we've played on the day we win a trophy. That makes it a very special match for the club," Barker continued. 

Barker is no stranger to cup finals. He led the University of Pretoria to the 2009 Nedbank Cup final, which they lost against Moroka Swallows. The former Wits University midfielder reflects on what he would have advised a 41-year-old Barker coaching in the lower league and competing for a trophy at the elite level. 

"It was two different occasions and we had nothing really to lose. We were the underdogs and the first region team, which created hype.  In life, you have setbacks and disappointments, which I had that day. 

“You gotta learn and take those experiences and add them. So, I think in terms of that experience plus, obviously, coaching many years after that, that experience is taken into this game. There are perhaps players who've never been to finals before, so managing their feelings towards the game and just making sure that we have a calm, but really focused week. 

While Stellies have been lauded for bringing in young talent, the combination of youth and experience on their side has been evident. Barker understands this will be another critical factor in the final. After failing in the semi-finals in the past, he now thinks that his lack of experience is no longer an issue.