Stellenbosch FC Coach Steve Barker says the comfortability of being in another final at Moses Mbhida stadium, and their recent success at the 2010 World Cup venue will be key in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
Stellies were forced to play two of their home matches at the Moses Mabhida Stadium as both Danie Craven and Athlone stadiums were undergoing rehabilitation following the U20 World Cup, and the unavailability of Cape Town stadium.
Barker feels the fact that they won their very first trophy in top flight last season at Moses Mabhida Stadium and their recent success at their early season adopted home venue, the same venue for this weekend’s MTN8 final, will be a key factor on Saturday.
“But seriously, I think we’ve played more at Moses Mabhida than at Danie Craven this season. It has become a nice place to go to,” Barker told the media at the pre- match media day at Lentelus training centre.
“Obviously the comfortability of being in a final in Durban, the Carling (Knockout) Cup final was also in Durban.
“And then obviously this season we’ve played both the CAF Confederation Cup games there, as well as Mamelodi Sundowns, and we had good success in all of them.
“So, it does feel like a special place to go to. It’s been rewarding for us. The stay is very comfortable. We are comfortable with the surroundings off the field.”
However, Barker admitted that Pirates have also had success at the same venue so the final would not be easy.
“We also know that Pirates, it’s not a bad place for them either. They’ll have the majority of the support, as one would expect,” Barker added.
“But yes, having played there recently, having had good success there recently, it does give us that element of sort of confidence going into that game.”
Written by: Diski Voice
