Steve Barker Explains Why Stellenbosch FC Lost to Orlando Pirates in MTN8 Final
- Steve Barker has broken his silence after Stellenbosch FC suffered yet another defeat against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final
- The Stellies also faced the Soweto giants in last season's final, and the repeat of the match this season went the way of the Sea Robbers
- The South African tactician explained why the Maroons were defeated by Abdeslam Ouaddou's men
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker acknowledged that his team was outplayed by Orlando Pirates during extra time in the MTN8 final at the Mbomela Stadium.
Source: Instagram
The Cape Winelands side fell short of claiming their first MTN8 trophy, suffering a 3-0 defeat to the Buccaneers on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Pirates’ summer signing Tshepang Moremi scored a brace and also assisted Tshegofatso Mabasa's goal to deliver Abdeslam Ouaddou's first title as Orlando Pirates coach this season.
The final was a repeat of last season, with the Soweto giants also winning the title, but Barker was not satisfied with the officiating in the game and blamed the centre referee for his team's defeat.
Barker explains why Stellies lost
Barker congratulated Orlando Pirates on their fourth consecutive MTN8 title, acknowledging that winning a trophy four years in a row is no easy feat.
He said that in open play, especially during the first nine minutes, the match was evenly contested, with both teams having chances to take the lead.
Barker noted that Stellenbosch seemed to gain the upper hand during a period in the second half, and he hoped the substitutions would boost the team’s performance, but they didn’t have the desired impact.
Going into extra time, he believed Stellenbosch still had a chance to win, but Pirates outplayed them, scoring early and then capitalising on space left behind to secure the second goal, making a comeback extremely difficult.
“Heading into extra time, I believed we were still a team with the potential to push through and possibly secure a win," he explained.
Unfortunately, they showed their class and dominated in extra time. Once we conceded the first goal, we made an effort to get back in the game, but were caught out at the back, and they scored again. At that point, it became a tough challenge, and they controlled the rest of the match with ease."
While the 3-0 scoreline didn’t fully reflect how competitive the game had been, Barker admitted that Pirates were the stronger side in extra time and deserved to lift the trophy.
Source: Twitter
Stellenbosch FC will switch their focus to their next game in the Betway Premiership against AmaZulu FC on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, before hosting Richards Bay next weekend.
Ouaddou hits at critics, hails Barker
Briefly News earlier reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou snapped back at critics after leading Orlando Pirates to their first title this season in the MTN8.
The Moroccan tactician was dragged when he had a poor start in the Betway Premiership, but he has redeemed himself with a title.
The former Marumo Gallants mentor also reserved some praise for Barker despite defeating his team in the final.
Source: Briefly News
