Barker: Mngqithi’s Dismissal Came Too Soon

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is of the opinion that Mamelodi Sundowns acted swiftly in letting go of Manqoba Mngqithi prior to their Betway Premiership matchup at DHL Stadium on Wednesday (19:30).

Barker was instrumental in Sundowns’ departure from the MTN8, defeating Mngqithi’s side, who had previously outplayed the Tshwane giants both home and away in the semifinals before ultimately losing to Orlando Pirates in the final.

However, even after triumphing over the Brazilians in a domestic cup this season and witnessing changes within Sundowns’ technical team, the Stellies coach remains cautious, anticipating a challenging match.

“Every game in the Premiership holds significance, but facing a team like Sundowns, who are currently leading the league, is always a significant challenge for us as a football club. We aim to aspire to contend for the league as well, so matches like these are crucial for us,” Barker remarked.

“It’s essential for us to continue accruing points in the league to remain connected with the title challengers. We are eager for the match; preparations have gone smoothly, and the players are in a positive frame of mind after a solid away victory in the Confed Cup.”

The 56-year-old manager, who recently celebrated his 100th victory with the club after defeating Pirates in their latest league match, hopes his players can draw motivation from their first continental win and channel it against Miguel Cardoso’s squad.

“Coming off a win is always beneficial; it instills belief and confidence. We created numerous chances in that match, and we plan to carry that confidence into Wednesday evening,” stated the Maroons’ coach.

Barker also commented on the recent coaching changes at Chloorkop, suggesting that the club was premature in altering their coaching staff with the 2024/25 season still in its infancy, indicating a need to avoid panic responses.

“I believe it was too early in the season for them to make adjustments to their coaching staff, and now we are facing them with a coaching shift. It’s going to be a different kind of game, for sure,” Barker expressed.

“Even a player like [Iqraam] Rayners was unavailable during the MTN8; he’s in excellent goal-scoring form now, making them a more formidable side. However, I think we have also improved since the MTN8, and those past results no longer hold significance.”

The Cape Winelands team is looking to cause an upset as they aim to secure their second league victory over Sundowns, their last success dating back to May 2022, when they achieved a 3-0 win, courtesy of an Ashley Du Preez brace and a goal from Jayden Adams.