'Last season's defeat hurt us badly', says Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker ahead of MTN8 final

Stellies lost 3-1 to the Buccaneers in the 2024 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium with Lehlohonolo Mojela's opening effort cancelled out by goals from Monnapule Saleng, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng.

Barker felt his side were on the wrong end of a questionable refereeing decision in that final and wants to use that as motivation this time around.

Mofokeng scored his goal from a free-kick that was seemingly taken 20m away from where the set-piece had been awarded.

Speaking ahead of the weekend's final set to be hosted by the Mbombela Stadium, the Stellies boss explained that he hopes this season's showpiece will be decided fairly.

He said on IOL: "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.

"That hurt us badly. We still feel that sort of disappointment and hopefully that will drive us to be better than we were in last year's final.

"I am just hoping for this final, the best team wins on the day and it is not decided either way on a controversial moment.

“We are really, really excited and highly motivated — I think not only myself but the whole club. We just need to remember that it is not every season that you get yourself into a final, so when you do, you have to take that opportunity.”