Stellenbosch FC head off to Soweto for the second leg of the MTN8 on the back foot and as underdogs, but coach Steve Barker warns that only a fool would write them off.
Football is an unpredictable sport. Nothing is ever guaranteed in the beautiful game, and that is what makes it so exciting and captivating.
With that said Barker strongly believes that his Stellies troops have what it takes to beat Pirates to progress to the MTN8 final.
Barker’s confidence stems from Stellenbosch’s previous wins over Pirates, including their most recent 1-0 victory in the DStv Premiership this season.
But Steve Barker is well aware that Stellies have their work cut out for them as they need to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final at Orlando Stadium on Sunday (15:00).
Pirates enter the match on the back of two consecutive defeats in the CAF Champions League and DStv Premiership against Jwaneng Galaxy and rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively.
On the other hand, Stellenbosch FC have also failed to register a win in their last two games in the league, drawing against Golden Arrows and suffering a 2-0 defeat to Moroka Swallows in their most recent game.
WHY STEVE BARKER BELIEVES PIRATES ARE BEATABLE
“We have a chance, we have shown in both games against Pirates that we beat them this season, we also lost 2-1,” said Barker.
“Obviously, away from home at Orlando Stadium, it’s an even more difficult task.
“We just have to go there and change our mood in terms of enjoying the moment and the opportunity of being in the semi-final.
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“An opportunity to go to the final, we go there and know it’s separate from the league, has its pressures, but it’s a different game.
It’s a different tournament, so we can approach it with positivity and we give it our best shot.
“Should we fail, it won’t be because we have not tried that I can guarantee you. We will try our best, and we will be as committed as ever. Stranger things have happened, and it’s not impossible for us to get to the final.”