Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is using last season’s run to the MTN8 final as motivation ahead of Sunday’s 2025/26 last-eight clash against AmaZulu.

Stellenbosch FC are set to get the new season underway on Sunday when the club hosts AmaZulu in the quarter-final of the MTN competition.

Read | Squad list & jersey numbers for the 2025/26 season

The team from the Cape Winelands reached the final of the tournament last time around, where they narrowly lost out to Orlando Pirates, but head coach Steve Barker is hoping to turn that disappointment into motivation ahead of the quarter-final clash.

“Last season, we got to the final of the MTN8 but unfortunately didn’t go all the way to win it, so we have the desire to go one step further this time around,” Barker explained.

“We understand that first, we have to get past a strong opponent in AmaZulu, and I’m sure everyone’s ambition is to win the competition, but our preparations have gone well and we’ve worked really hard in the pre-season, so we are all looking forward to the game.”

Sights set on another strong cup run 🫡#MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/TQIrCjIiLz

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 31, 2025

Barker also acknowledged the good work being done by AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane, who he credits with turning around Usuthu’s fortunes following an indifferent start to the 2024/25 campaign.

“A lot of credit must go to the coaching staff,” he added.

“When Arthur came in and took over the team, they were in a precarious position, so for them to finish as high as 6th in the league and qualify for the MTN8 is really a credit to what they have done, especially in the second half of last season

Read | Introducing the 2025/26 Stellenbosch FC home & away kits

“They have laid good foundations and I am sure they will be looking to kick on this season and be even more competitive. No game is easy in the PSL, let alone in the quarter-final of a big cup competition, so we will have to be up for the game.

“Our focus levels and commitment will have to be at the right levels to get past AmaZulu.”