Barker addresses complaints over goals in SA football

The thrilling Nedbank Cup round of 16 match at Mbombela Stadium was a real treat for spectators and contracts naysayers about South African football.

The match was not as one-sided as Liverpool FC's recent 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United, but it offered the same excitement and goal treat that leaves fans thirsting for more.

"It became a bit of a ping-pong. They scored we scored. Maybe for the fans, it was a good game to watch, people complain there are not many goals in South African football, so let's hope the main goals delivered today were good", said Barker. 

The two sides are accustomed to delivering rather drab affairs. Only three goals were scored in their five top-flight meetings since December 2020, but that script was completely rewritten this past weekend. 

"It was a strange type of game because you don't expect that kind of result against a team like Galaxy. I think they've only conceded 15 or so goals, the whole season. To get six against them was a bit surreal but at the same time obviously exciting. 

I just thought we took our chances very well. Every goal that was scored was well taken. But at the back to concede three, on another day you don't win football games if you're conceding three". 

Iqraam Rayners has scored an impressive eight goals – including yesterday's brace against The Rockets – in five matches since his return to Stellies from SuperSport United. Speaking to SABC Sport, Barker believes his abilities are massively underrated.

"I think, maybe, he hasn't utilised the way we feel his most effective position is. He's come back and shown that he has the ability to take his chances. He's a great football on transition and very underrated when he gets in front of the goal, he doesn't miss many. One-on-one he's probably one of the deadliest in the country, in my opinion”. 

Meanwhile, Argentine attacking midfielder Junior Mendieta has also been instrumental for the Cape Winelands outfit this season. He has six goals and seven assists in 23 appearances, prompting Barker to compare the duo's abilities to another special duo at Mamelodi Sundowns.

"He's just got that something, that something special, creates things from nothing, and his passion and love for the game rubs off, especially at training. I think between him and Iqraam, they're collectively close to Cassius [Mailula] and [Peter] Shalulile in terms of goals and assists".