The rise of Stellenbosch FC from the National First Division to perennial cup contenders in the South African top-flight in a relatively short space of time has been quite remarkable.

That story is constructed around their coach Steve Barker, who led the team from the doldrums of the second-tier into another cup final this Saturday they when face Orlando Pirates in the showpiece match of the MTN8.

Barker has already tasted silverware with the Winelands team, winning the Carling Cup last season after beating TS Galaxy in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the venue for this weekend’s top-eight finale.

Barker was with Stellenbosch from the start of their journey, coming in as an assistant coach in the NFD in 2016 after the club bought Vasco da Gama’s status.

After falling in the promotion-relegation playoffs at the first time of asking, Barker, who is the nephew of South African football legend Clive Barker, took over the following season and won the NFD to cement their top-flight status.

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says they are looking forward to playing the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates in familiar surroundings.

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Since then, the team has quickly become a force in South African football, even qualifying for the group stages of the Confederation Cup this season after finishing third in the league.

It’s no surprise that Barker is currently also the longest serving coach of any club in the Betway Premiership, because they are consistently fighting for silverware and have stability, even though the big-spending clubs always come knocking for their players.

It’s no wonder Barker feels like he is daydreaming.

"On the one hand, you do feel that you need to pinch yourself," Barker said at a media gathering at the team’s training ground in Stellenbosch on Wednesday.

"The remarkable achievements that we've done in this short space - to have won a trophy and be in another final.

"I think the [MTN8] semi-final was our sixth consecutive semi-final in a row, and now to have qualified for the Confederation Cup group stages.

"So, there are times when you sort of look and say, this is like 'pinch yourself' type stuff. Is it really happening?

"But then, as you rightly say, on the other hand, it's not surprising in terms of the foundations that have been laid down."

"Each and every season, from the NFD days, we've been building blocks and trusting in what we do. Trusting our processes and the really good recruitment, the [DStv] Diski Challenge programme, as well as the youth programme that is growing every season.

"The U18s made a consecutive final; unfortunately, they didn't win it, but when I look at it from that point of view, then it's not surprising."

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says he is still “pinching himself” following the success they have enjoyed in a relatively short space of time. pic.twitter.com/eyYRc3pt2X
— IG: johngoliath (@JohnGoliath82) October 2, 2024

Barker is banking on his team’s memories from the Carling Cup final last December to help them get over the line against a dangerous Pirates team, who are looking to win their third MTN8 title in a row.

The Bucs are still unbeaten this season in all competition, breezing through to the MTN8 final, looking comfortable in the league and qualifying for the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

“I think obviously the experience you get from that [Carling Cup final] will stand us in good stead,” said Barker.

“You know, the majority of the squad had that experience of being in a final. I think that experience does carry over. I remind myself and the players that one must not take it for granted - that you make finals, because being in finals is not easy.

“It takes special runs and special matches. I mean, you know, for us to have got past a team like [Mamelodi] Sundowns over two-legged semi-final to be in the final, I think it's things that one must not take for granted and hence we must cherish the moment.

“We must look forward to the occasion. We must understand that playing in finals is a special occasion as a coach and as players and as a football club and for the fans.”

@JohnGoliath82