Barker hails Stellenbosch’s tactical edge after MTN8 extra-time thriller

Steve Barker, the Stellenbosch FC coach, said his side’s tactical savvy allowed them to emerge victorious in a pulsating five-goal thriller against AmaZulu in the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday in Cape Town. The hosts, Stellenbosch, conceded two goals due to errors and concentration lapses, but the team recovered well to score “well-worked” goals.

Barker highlighted his squad’s ability to respond effectively and secure a place in the next round of the tournament.

“We found a way back into the game with a well-worked goal and then followed up with a good free-kick from Sanele Barns,” remarked Barker, reflecting on his side’s performance. “It was a tough match; we had to dig deep.”

The match was physically demanding, with players visibly struggling with cramps as it extended into extra-time — a testament to the rigorous nature of their season opener. Barker noted that the bumpy, hard pitch detracted from his side’s playing style.

“The players were cramping in the first game of the season, playing 120 minutes. Maybe we did not play enough pre-season friendlies. The pitch was difficult, and the ball bounced a lot,” he explained.

Stellenbosch started brightly, displaying good possession, which Barker found encouraging. However, defensive errors crept in as they conceded goals from set-pieces, which he described as a frustrating aspect of their play.

“Unfortunately, we gave away the sort of goals that we do not like to be conceding from a second or third phase set-piece,” he elaborated.

Never one to shy away from the challenges of the game, Barker embraced the lessons that come from such high-stakes situations.

“If you ever want to win trophies and be in semi-finals, sometimes you have just got to find a way to win a game,” he stated, illustrating the duality of joy and frustration that every football coach faces.

Barker praised the performance of Langelihle Phili, whose pivotal goal not only clinched the match but also marked a significant moment in his fledgling career. Phili, a member of the victorious South Africa Under-20 squad at the 2025 AFCON, seized his opportunity with great poise.

“I’m pleased for a player like Phili to be allowed to come on at the time he did and to get the winning goal,” Barker reflected on the player’s impact during a critical phase.

The introduction of Phili proved a masterstroke by Barker, as the young attacker bossed the field and ultimately found the back of the net, sealing the victory for his side.

Barker reflected on the match, noting the importance of gaining insights into his team’s performance level at the start of the new season.

“A lot of things you are never really 100% sure of in the first game of the season — where you are at and what you need to do — so it was good for us to get a competitive game like we did today to see where we are,” Barker added, shifting his focus to the challenges of the upcoming Premiership match next week.

Stellenbosch will host Kaizer Chiefs at the same venue next Sunday, when both teams will play their first league fixture of the season.