Barker hopes for a fair MTN8 final against Bucs

STEVE Barker is evidently still smarting from the controversial 3-1 defeat his Stellenbosch FC side suffered to Orlando Pirates in last year's MTN8 final.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

Immediately after guiding his team to this year’s final — once again against the Buccaneers — Barker spoke with a heavy heart about his wishes for the upcoming tie. “All I hope is that the game is not decided by a controversial moment. It must just be a fair contest,” Barker said deep in the bowels of Peter Mokaba Stadium after Stellies drew 1-1 with Sekhukhune United.

The result meant Stellenbosch progressed past the semifinal via a 3-1 aggregate victory.

“Controversial” is the apt description for last year's final. Pirates took a 2-1 lead in a match that was fast heading for extra time after a goal that many referees would probably not have allowed.