Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker was filled with delight at his charges come-from-behind victory over Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday evening.
A brace in quick succession from Iqraam Rayners helped the Maroons to come from a goal down in the second half and see off the holders at the Athlone Stadium.
It was the first defeat for the DStv Premiership champions since Rhulani Mokwena ascended sole duty of the coaching reins last September.
Read | Rayners & Stellies send Sundowns packing
“One hundred percent agree, I told the players if you want to beat teams like Sundowns you want to win tournaments or cups like today, we need everyone to stand up and be counted and be leaders, fight for the badge, for the club, for the supporters, for Oshwin, for the families and their loved ones,” Barker told SuperSport TV.
“And every single one of them were for me the man of the match. I mean, the effort the guys put in the structure the defensive work, the covering, the pressing, creating opportunities. I think no one can deny this victory today,” he added.
Both goals from Rayners came from errors albeit defensive ones on the side of the Brazilians as the way to apply those forced errors happened at the right time according to Barker.
“I think at halftime 1-0 down, we had to come out and dig deep and even first half we were causing some pressure moments and in the second half I think just that continued effort to put pressure at the right time.
“They are a team if you go too early (press) they play behind you, you become sort of pressurised. So, I think we had done that really well. Where we waited for the right moment and ja sometimes you also need a little bit of luck to win games like this.
“But I think the pressure, a little bit of luck, but most of all the heart that these players put in today was magnificent,” Barker explained.
With the team now in the semi-finals for the first time, the dream to go all the way do appear in sight as the club officials held up a banner in honour of the slain Andries.
“I think we started with five to go, I told the players after every win. It’s going to be one less than it was four to go, than it was three to go, now it is two to go.
“We have to believe, we have to dream, still stay grounded, be humble. There’s still league encounters to play and do well in them. But why not dream, we got to wait for the draw and see what it holds for us and really push,” Barker said.
“I think our first game after the passing of Oshwin was here in the Nedbank Cup here at Athlone in front of the supporters.
“It was a memorable occasion, the way the players were supporting with the fans in honour of Oshwin so long may it continue. Really proud coach today and that’s all I’ve got to say right now,” Barker concluded.
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