Barker, whose Stellenbosch FC side saw off TS Galaxy in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday told the media: “I don’t need to be told I’m doing a good job. What makes me come to work every morning is to serve the players and create opportunities for them.”
Barker, whose managerial career saw him in charge of Pretoria University and AmaZulu before he took over at the helm of Stellenbosch FC in 2017, has enjoyed a very good season, with his side currently fifth in the PSL.
Speaking after the winning the first major trophy of his coaching career Barker said: “For me it’s not about any accolades and I always maintain I will continue to serve my players and create opportunities for them.
“Back in the Tuks days we saw people like Andile Jali, Bongani Khumalo, Marc van Heerden, Aubrey Ngoma and a lot of other players who have gone on to have good careers, and that is the gratitude I get from the job I do.
“If I see players going all the way and doing well for themselves, playing in Europe and achieving things – that brings satisfaction.
“This season we have had players going to Kaizer Chiefs, and Olwethu Makhanya was here today. He was on the field with us celebrating. He is playing in the MLS.
“I don’t need to be told I’m doing a good job. What makes me come to work every morning is to serve the players and create opportunities for them.
“We don’t buy opportunities, but we create opportunities. To see a player like Darrel Matsheke, after being released by Chiefs a while ago, and trialling at Casric Stars, and he comes here and scores a winning penalty.
“Those are moments I enjoy, and I will continue to work as hard as I can to create those opportunities.”
Stellenbosch are in action one more time before Christmas, they play Sekhukune United on Friday 22nd December – a win in that game would push them to second in the league.
