Barker secures historic 100th win amid weekend drama
HERMAN GIBBS
The triumphant coach Steve Barker clocked his 100th win for Stellenbosch FC at Orlando's 'Slaughterhouse' on Sunday, in one of Mzansi's weekend football highlights.
It was not a good weekend for Soweto's hordes of footy fans because 24 hours earlier, their hallowed Kaizer Chiefs left them with a sickening feeling after they were held to a 2-2 draw, despite leading 2-0 early in the match. Stellenbosch's win meant that no Premiership team was unbeaten at this stage and this hotly contested clash is one of the takeaways of Mzansi's weekend football.
High-flying Bucs ambushed
Orlando Pirates had boasted a remarkable start to their Premiership campaign, winning their first seven matches — a feat unprecedented in the PSL-era of the famous club's history. Yet, their momentum was abruptly halted by a Stellenbosch side that had just returned from a taxing trip to Mali.
Despite facing the Buccaneers on merely a day's rest, Barker's team showcased remarkable resilience. This was particularly poignant given their recent history with Pirates, who triumphed over them in last month’s MTN8 final under controversial circumstances.
Good morning Maroons 🤩 pic.twitter.com/v4MLHD4lT8
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) December 2, 2024
Barker lays down the law on hostile ground
Prior to the game, Stellenbosch arrived at Orlando as apparent underdogs due to their less-than-stellar season start and recent midweek defeat in Mali. However, in a remarkable turnaround, Barker’s charges followed up on their last win in Orlando with another victory, marking their second consecutive win.
Post-match, Barker commended his players and assistant Wesley Sergel, emphasising the collaborative effort behind the team’s success.
Set Piece Specialists 🔥
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) December 2, 2024
3 goals from set pieces 🏹💚💛#10betgoldenarrows #greenandgold #sthendeway pic.twitter.com/RTaiXvunzf
Arrows ascend into Top 8 contention
Meanwhile, Lamontville Golden Arrows continued their upward trajectory, achieving back-to-back wins after enduring a five-match winless streak.
Triumphing over struggling Cape Town City with a nail-biting 3-2 scoreline, Arrows now reside in sixth place on the Premiership log, above Kaizer Chiefs, who sit in seventh. Under Mabhuti Khenyeza's stewardship, the team is exhibiting newfound form with crucial late-game victories.
‘Ox’ proves critics wrong
In a significant personal turnaround, defender Sibongiseni 'Ox' Mthethwa has won over Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi. Once perceived as surplus to requirements, Mthethwa has now established himself as a valuable asset after a standout performance in recent fixtures, thus quelling doubts about his future at the club.
Mngqithi’s warning to Sundowns’ rivals
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi expressed frustration over the lack of respect shown towards his side after they delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Sekhukhune United.
Following an unexpected series of defeats, including a shocking loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knock-out final, Mngqithi made it clear that any team underestimating Sundowns would face dire consequences. His message to opponents was straightforward: prepare adequately and treat the defending champions with respect.