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Stellenbosch FC will not suffer from any imposter syndrome when they take on Orlando Pirates in the final of the MTN8 this weekend, if what coach Steve Barker says is anything to go by.
The Cape Winelands side is set to face The Buccaneers at Mbombela Stadium in a repeat of last year’s final, which they lost 3-1 in Durban.
Barker has highlighted the tough route to the decider in the season’s cup competition, and says they’ll do all they can to make sure the result turns in their favour this time around.
"I think people tend to forget that getting to the MTN8 final is not easy – it starts the season before, making sure you finish in the top eight, which we did," said Barker.
"And fortunately got a home quarter-final, where we got past AmaZulu, and then we got past a very good Sekhukhune [United] team to now get to the final against Pirates.
"I think, firstly, we deserve it, we've earned the right to be in the final, and I think it's now up to us to make use of this opportunity that's presented itself – something that we've worked hard to be part of.
"So yeah, a lot of anticipation, a lot of excitement, a lot of energy amongst the players – a cup final week is always a special week, something that clubs, players and coaches want to be competing to win trophies at the highest level, and winning trophies is always any footballer's dream."
Stellies have been unlucky not to have won more trophies in the top flight, with a number of cup finals under their belts, but Barker believes their experience playing in those high pressure matches will come in handy on Saturday.
"Yes, I think fortunately we're now in our third cup final in three seasons, so there's a little bit of familiarity around it and it's not just something brand new, so it's a balance of getting heightened emotional levels, focus, and commitment," he added.
"A final is a final, we can't run away from it, there is extra [dynamics] to it, but it's just getting the balance right of not over-hyping it and being over-excitable, which leads to pressure and anxiety.
"So, I think it's just really understanding and letting the players know that they deserve to be showcasing their abilities and talents and earned the right to be there, and ultimately the only thing I ask of my players is that they give 100 percent."
