Stellenbosch draw on past pain as they seek redemption in MTN8 final

Dangerous when wounded, so the saying goes.

Many might have supposed that a year on, Stellenbosch FC would be healed of the wound inflicted by a controversial refereeing decision that saw them lose last year’s MTN8 final to Orlando Pirates.

Yet, ahead of the sequel to the country’s season-opening tournament, the Cape Winelands side’s coach has made it clear that they are still smarting from that 3-1 defeat — particularly given the manner of it.

Steve Barker says they will use that pain to help drive them to success against a Buccaneers outfit looking to chalk up a record-extending fourth successive victory in Saturday’s match at Mbombela Stadium.

“Obviously, the disappointment of last season in terms of a massive controversial decision near the end of the game changed the course of the game (still remains),” Barker said, of the free kick which Relebohile Mofokeng took some 20m away from where the incident occurred.

Tshegofatso Mabasa converted to make it 2-1 before Mofokeng sealed the hat-trick-clinching victory with a third goal.

“That hurt us badly,” Barker reflected.

“We still feel that sort of disappointment and hopefully that will drive us to be better than we were in last year’s final. I am just hoping for this final, the best team wins on the day and it is not decided either way on a controversial moment.”

Stellies have already lost to Pirates in the league this season, newcomer Kamogelo Sebelele scoring the only goal at Orlando Stadium. Barker feels his team must improve significantly if they are to capture silverware.

“We have to be a lot better than what we were in the league against them this season, because if we fail to be better than that then it’s going to be tougher for us. We’ve got work to do and we can learn from our loss against them.”

The past results notwithstanding, Barker and his players are in high spirits and confident they have what it takes to upset their illustrious opponents.

“We are really, really excited and highly motivated — I think not only myself but the whole club. We just need to remember that it is not every season that you get yourself into a final, so when you do, you have to take that opportunity.

"The anticipation, excitement and energy among the players on cup final week is always special and winning trophies is what every player wants. Last season was obviously a disappointment when we did not go on to lift the trophy, but the emotions of lifting the trophy or the feeling of disappointment drive you to want to do better when you reach the final again.”

Barker also recalled winning the same competition three decades ago as a player for Wits University against another South African giant, Kaizer Chiefs.

“Thirty years ago I won the BP Top 8 as a player. Hopefully, I can win it as a coach as well,” he said.

He would do well to inspire his players by sharing memories of that 1995 match when a young Bradley Carnell scored a brace to give Wits a memorable victory.

But Stellies also carry the sting of last season’s controversial defeat — pain they hope will fuel a performance good enough to land domestic football’s season-opening trophy.