Steve Barker plays down advantage as Orlando Pirates juggle internationals

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has dismissed suggestions that Orlando Pirates’ heavy national team involvement ahead of the MTN8 final will give his side a decisive advantage.

The Buccaneers are set to go into Saturday’s clash with limited preparation time, as eight of their players were away on international duty. 

Sipho Chaine, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, Kamogelo Sebelebele, and Relebohile Mofokeng were all with Bafana Bafana, while Deon Hotto was representing Namibia.

In contrast, Stellies only have Thabo Moloisane with the national team, meaning Barker has had almost his entire squad available for two weeks of uninterrupted training.

The coach admitted that this could hand his team a slight edge, but he was quick to underline that Pirates’ quality remains the biggest factor heading into the final.

“No, look, obviously it shows testimony to what a good team they’ve built to have seven players in the national team, and maybe one or two players that are injured, that could have been in the national team, Evidence [Makgopa] who’s been in the national team for a while now, who’s not there now,” Barker told the media.

“So, if you look at the whole squad with Hotto, who’s a seasoned Namibian International, basically, I believe Sihle Nduli is the level that could play national level so basically, they got a team of national team players, which shows the quality,” he said. 

“At the same time, what is in our favour and advantage, we’ve only got Thabo [Moloisane] currently there, which has allowed us this week to prepare with our full squad except one, whereas Pirates most likely only get their players rarely fresh and ready to prepare from tomorrow or Thursday onwards.”

Pirates will only have two or three days of full preparation with their entire squad before the showdown. 

Barker admitted that while that may seem like a challenge, it speaks volumes about the strength of José Riveiro’s former side that so many of their players are called up to represent their countries.

“But it doesn’t make it easier because it just shows the quality that they have in the team that they’re all playing at a national level,” he said. 

“So, all big teams, big clubs in the world have lots of players who are on national duty, and they seem to cope well enough just because of the talent and the quality of the players. They’ve got this system that they’ve been playing, they’ve turned their season around,” Barker explained.

With Stellenbosch making their second cup final appearance in two seasons, Barker is relishing the fact that his side has had time to rest and refine their approach.

“So, I think it doesn’t really give us a massive advantage, but it is nice to be able to work a full week without any midweek games with our squad besides, obviously also having an opportunity last week to prepare the team.”

The MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium promises to be a battle of preparation versus pedigree — and Barker knows only one of those will count when the whistle blows.