Stellenbosch draw on past pain as they seek redemption in final

Dangerous when wounded, so the saying goes.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO-

Many might have supposed that a year on, Stellenbosch FC would be healed of the wound inflicted by a controversial refereeing decision that saw them lose last year’s MTN8 final to Orlando Pirates.

Yet, ahead of the sequel to the country’s season-opening tournament, the Cape Winelands side’s coach has made it clear that they are still smarting from that 3-1 defeat - particularly given the manner of it.

Steve Barker says they will use that pain to help drive them to success against a Buccaneers outfit looking to chalk up a record-extending fourth successive victory in Saturday's match at Mbombela Stadium.

“Obviously, the disappointment of last season in terms of a massive controversial decision near the end of the game changed the course of the game (still remains),” Barker said, of the free kick which Relebohile Mofokeng took some 20m away from where the incident occurred.