Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has indirectly taunted Mamelodi Sundowns by stating Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates supporters should be happy after his side stopped last year's finalists from advancing in the MTN8.
The Carling Knockout champions defeated Masandawana 3-0 in aggregate to set up an exciting final with holders Buccaneers.
The Soweto giants are hoping to win their third consecutive MTN8 crown after delivering in the last two editions.
Barker looking for new supporters?
Prior to the semi-final duel with Sundowns, Stellies had been given little chance to progress owing to the quality within the Manqoba Mngqithi-led squad.
However, they managed to get a 1-0 win away in the first leg before another 2-0 win in the most recent outing to send Downs packing. Barker now hopes he has made a few supporters from the Glamour Boys and the Sea Robbers.
“That's nice, that's a really good rivalry among the big three,” he said regarding Downs, Amakhosi, and Bucs.
“Hopefully, we can make some of the Pirates and Chiefs fans happy that at least we don't allow Sundowns to get to the final.
“So hopefully against Pirates we can have some Chiefs and Sundowns supporters. But, no, we've got fabulous supporters back home and this is for them.”
Stellies, the next big thing in Mzansi football?
Last season, Stellenbosch won the Carling Knockout which is their first ever major title since their PSL promotion back in 2019.
They reached the Nedbank Cup semi-final before controversially falling to Sundowns and later on missed the Caf Champions League slot by a whisker.
This season, Stellies have already sealed their place in the second preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup after an aggregate 8-0 win over Nsingizini Hotspurs.
“[The MTN8 final] is huge, to make a second semi-final in a space of six, seven months is really incredible,” Barker continued.
“I mean the top eight is one of the hardest competitions to get to a final. To be able to get past a team like Mamelodi Sundowns over two legs, is just incredible for us as a team.
“Really happy for our supporters, a pity they couldn't be here in numbers to support us but this is for them back home. Hopefully, the final will be accessible and we can go to the final with our fans.”
On Friday, September 13, they will play AS Vita Club of Congo in the Caf Confederation Cup before playing Golden Arrows five days later in the Premier Soccer League.