Steve Barker has made a personal dedication to the late Oshwin Andries and Clive Barker after Stellenbosch FC reached a first-ever cup final.

Stellenbosch FC advanced to the 2023 Carling Knockout final after recording a comprehensive 3-0 win over Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, and will next face TS Galaxy for a shot at the trophy later this month.

Match report | Stellies trounce Richards Bay to reach Carling Knockout final

Speaking following the match, head coach Steve Barker dedicated the club’s achievement to his late uncle and former Bafana Bafana coach, Clive Barker, and to former Stellies youngster Oshwin Andries who was tragically killed at the start of the year.

“At the beginning of the year we lost one of our soldiers in Oshwin Andries, and I lost my uncle Clive, so I’d like to dedicate getting into the final to both of them,” Barker said.

“Hopefully we can come back to Durban where I grew up as a youngster and do them and the club proud in two weeks’ time by going all the way to win the final. Getting into the final is one thing, but now the next objective is to win it.”

Barker was also quick to credit his players for overcoming a nervy start to the encounter and delivering a ruthless second half display, while also reserving a special word of praise for the travelling Maroons who endured a 20-hour bus drive to support the team.

“I felt that we weren’t totally at our best in the first half, there was a little bit of nervousness, and it was a cagey affair with it being a semi-final,” he added. “We’ve already been in two recent semi-finals and didn’t get to a final so I think we looked nervous.

“At the same time, though, they didn’t really cause us problems in the first half either and then in the second half, we got the first goal and it opened the game up a little bit.

“Richards Bay had to come out because they had nothing to lose. They threw numbers forward and that allowed us to look really threatening in transition. Once we got the second goal, and obviously the third goal, it killed the game off.

Final confirmed | Stellenbosch FC to face TS Galaxy in Carling Knockout final

“Ultimately, there was great commitment from the players. They deserved the win, they work hard every day, and they are a young and energetic squad of players with good qualities, so I’m really proud of their effort today.

“I also want to thank the fans who arrived here just before half-time after a 20-hour bus trip, and to reward them with a second half performance like we did was really good.”