Steve Barker not chasing praises and accolades

Steve Barker says he is not chasing accolades and praises after lifting the Carling Knockout Cup trophy as they beat TS Galaxy in the final last weekend.

Barker says he is not waiting to be told about his achievements and that his track record is there for all to see.

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The Stellies mentor lifted his maiden trophy in the South African top flight and says developing players such as Andile Jali and Bongani Khumalo are some of his achievements.

For many coaches, winning a trophy is a stamp that he is a good coach but Barker says that is not the case with him and Stellies.

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STEVE BARKER NOT CHASING PRAISES AND ACCOLADES

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Barker’s men beat Galaxy 5-4 on penalties at Moses Mabhida Stadium after the teams were deadlocked at 1-1 after extra time.   

Besides lifting trophies and bagging accolades, the former AmaZulu mentor has played a huge part in shaping the careers of some of the best players such as Khumalo and Jali.

“For me, it’s not about any accolades and I always maintain I will continue to serve my players and create opportunities for them,” Barker said.   

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“Back in the Tuks [University of Pretoria FC] 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.

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“If I see players going all the way and doing well for themselves, playing in Europe and achieving things [that brings satisfaction].”

PROUD BARKER LOOKS AT HIS ACCOLADES

The seasoned PSL coach, Barker adds that he is proud they are selling their players to big clubs and some in the Major League Soccer such as Olwethu Makhanya.

“This season we have had players going to Kaizer Chiefs, and Olwethu Makhanya was here today. He was on the field with us [celebrating the cup victory]. He is playing in the MLS,” adds Barker.

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“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 he was 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.”

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Looking at the DStv Premiership log table, Stellies sit fifth on the log table with 23 points from 14 matches – they will face Sekhukhune United on Friday night.