Former Bloemfontein Celtic coach Tony De Nobrega believes that Steve Barker deserved to be recognised as the Betway Premiership Coach of the Season over Miguel Cardoso.
Cardoso, who took over as the head coach at Mamelodi Sundowns at the start of the 2024/2025 PSL season, was awarded the title after leading the team to defend their league championship.
READ | In numbers: How Cardoso outclassed Riveiro, Barker
However, De Nobrega argues that selecting a coach of the season based solely on winning the league title does not accurately reflect the true accomplishments of all candidates.
“While Cardoso clearly deserves recognition for his achievements,” De Nobrega tells KickOff.
"My choice for coach of the year is Steve Barker from Stellenbosch FC. I believe he deserves it more.”
De Nobrega pointed out that Barker consistently has to sell his best players, yet his team finished third in the league standings for two consecutive years and reached the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup.
“Considering the budget he has and the young talent he has been developing, my vote goes to Steve Barker,” he noted.
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“Judging a coach of the season solely by the league title is an oversimplification. Winning the league is easier when you have the best players and the strongest team, but that does not necessarily make you the best coach.
"The true mark of a great coach is one who can take a smaller team and transform it. Steve Barker has proven himself in this regard for two years in a row.”
“He is continuously improving the Stellenbosch team, even without having star players, and is still able to compete effectively.”
Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
