Steve Barker has enjoyed a phenomenal rise with Stellenbosch FC, with a former Mamelodi Sundowns star claiming the coach is capable of managing one of the PSL's 'Big Three'.
Barker took charge of the Cape Winelands club in 2017 when they were still campaigning in the National First Division and has transformed the team into top-flight outfit, who recently reached the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals.
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In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, Roger Feutmba believes that Barker is capable of handling the pressure of coaching a big team in South Africa.
"Of course. He has been doing very well. Very consistent with limited resources and material. He has been to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals at his first attempt that's very impressive. He has also been in local finals and even won a cup with Stellenbosch. What else would he need to do to prove he is ready for the big three? There is a possibility of coaching those teams and he can do well, " Feutmba told Soccer Laduma.
The Cameroonian-born legend added that he believes Barker is ready to handle the pressure that comes with coaching the top three clubs in the country.
"I believe each team has its own pressure not just the many supporters of the big teams. The pressure starts withing yours. The pressure of wanting to win. What you want to achieve. It's not only about the budget involved it's about the pressure of wanting to see your team progress. The pressure comes from within yourself and I believe he can handle the pressure of coaching at the three big teams. You know every professional football team has pressure just like any other job. It's just that the pressure is at different level but I think he can handle the positive pressure put on him," Feutmba concluded.
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The 57-year-old has previously coached University of Pretoria, who he helped gain promotion to the Premiership in 2012, before going on to coach AmaZulu FC, Black Aces and finally in 2017, he joined Stellenbosch.
Barker guided Stellenbosch to their first piece of major silverware in the 2023/24 season after winning the inaugural Carling Knockout by beating TS Galaxy in the finals, while the team also reached the MTN8 final this season but lost to Pirates.
