Barker aiming to transfer MTN8 form into league success
Steve Barker is hoping to use Stellenbosch FC’s progression to the MTN8 final as a springboard to build momentum in the club’s Betway Premiership campaign.
Stellenbosch FC are set to host Marumo Gallants at Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday in the club’s first match since qualifying for a second consecutive MTN8 final.
Read | Stellenbosch advance to second consecutive MTN8 final
“It’s important for us as a team to understand that the Betway Premiership is the bread and butter of any football team in South Africa,” Barker said.
“If you do well in the league, it gives you opportunities to compete in MTN8 competitions and in continental football, so this is a massive game for us to get ourselves up and running. It’s our home game, and we need to ensure that we put in a big performance that warrants all three points.
“Preparation has been short with all the traveling to get back from Polokwane, but the players are in a good mood, and the confidence is high after reaching another final. The important part for us on Tuesday is to execute our game plan against Gallants and get the maximum points.
Eyes on the prize ahead of tomorrow night’s clash 👀#HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/5Z1WQURiSp
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 25, 2025
“It gives us a lot of confidence having achieved what we have, but that confidence needs to be transferred into our league performances.
“There’s a lot of bubbliness, enthusiasm, and energy among the team, but we have to transfer that into the next 90 minutes. It’s massively important for us in our next two home matches against Gallants and Mamelodi Sundowns to get some momentum.
“It’s always nice going into a FIFA break having performed well, so it’s massively important for us to do well in these next two matches.”
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The Betway Premiership fixture between Stellenbosch FC and Marumo Gallants is scheduled to kick off at 19h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport channel 208. Tickets are available for purchase for R40.00 from Webtickets.