Barker Acknowledges Pirates' Dominance in MTN8 Final

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has admitted that his team was “totally outclassed” by Orlando Pirates during extra time in the recent MTN8 final.

Barker also revealed that the substitutions he made did not have the desired impact, contributing to their 3-0 defeat at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

While Stellenbosch managed to hold their own during the 90 minutes of regulation time, the dynamic of the match shifted completely in extra time. Pirates secured their victory with goals from Tshepang Moremi, who scored a brace, and Tshegofatso Mabasa. This was the second consecutive MTN8 final in which Pirates have defeated Stellenbosch, following their 3-1 win at Moses Mabhida Stadium last season.

In a post-match interview with SuperSport TV, Barker reflected on the game, stating, “I thought in open play in the first 90 minutes, there was no real better team in the game.” He felt the match was evenly contested and that his team had a chance to win. “It was, you know, we could have maybe stolen it. They probably could have maybe gotten something, but I thought it was an even match.”

Barker explained his strategic decisions during the second half. “I thought there was a period in the second half where we looked like we were taking the ascendancy. Then, when we were taking the ascendancy, I thought, ‘Maybe let’s really go for it,’ and made some substitutions, but I don’t think they had the impact that we needed them to have.”

He further detailed the collapse in extra time. “We still looked like a team capable of going on and maybe winning it, but unfortunately, they just sort of outclassed us, outplayed us in extra time,” he said. The first goal created a difficult situation for his team. “Once you see the first goal, you’re obviously trying to get back into it, and you get caught a little bit short behind, and then you got the second goal, and then obviously it became a very difficult task, and they managed the rest of the game really well.”

Despite the lopsided scoreline, Barker maintains it wasn’t a true reflection of the entire match. “3-0 I don’t think it’s a total true reflection of the game. But in all honesty, they were a better team in extra time. And based on that, they deserved to win.”