Steve Barker: Carling KO success is deeply satisfying

Speaking to the media after leading Stellies to a nail-biting 5-4 win on penalties over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Barker looked back at the journey he’s traveled to where he currently is.

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As a young 41-year-old with the University of Pretoria, he lost the Nedbank Cup final to Moroka Swallows in 2009.

"Obviously having lost the Nedbank Cup final, and getting close to making finals recently, and then getting to a final and actually winning it is deeply satisfying," said Barker.

"I may not be showing it now, I think I'm emotionally drained, it was a long 120 minutes, but it's extremely satisfying and I think it will all hit home tomorrow and the next couple of days once we're back [in Stellenbosch].

"Fortunately, our game against Sekhukhune [United] has been postponed, [because] they' won't be back in time from their [CAF Confederation Cup] travels, which I think that's a good thing, it would have been tough to get ourselves up for another big match away from home.

"So ja, it's extremely satisfying, it's difficult to describe the feeling that I have and it's just been a journey of hard work and dedication, and commitment to my sort-of career to get a trophy in the bag as a coach."

Success is not something new to Barker, having promoted AmaTuks and Stellies from the National First Division (NFD) to the Premier Division. 

But winning a first trophy in the topflight, achieving something some coaches still dream of, is no small feat.

"I've won two league titles as well, promoting two teams from the NFD, so to be where we are now, it's a good space to be in. But us coaches, two, three, four months down the line, we could be under pressure again.

"So when we do win things like this, we've got to enjoy it, and I'm definitely going to enjoy it. I think there's a bucket or two full of Black Label that's waiting, so I'll enjoy that."

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