Stellenbosch is South Africa’s 2d oldest the town, courting again to 1679, and has a proud ancient affiliation with rugby.

It boasts the well-known Maties membership, affiliated to Stellenbosch College and the manufacturer of a document 176 gamers for the Springboks together with Rugby International Cup winners Rudolf Straeuli, Jean de Villiers and Willie le Roux.

The affect of the oval ball sport can also be detectable at Stellenbosch FC’s stadium, which is known as nearest apartheid-era rugby schoolteacher and administrator Danie Craven.

Then again, Barker says the backing from the Western Cape the town for soccer has been “massive”.

“This is a vehicle for young talent to be given opportunity and the support base is growing,” he added.

Veteran sports activities journalist Herman Gibbs believes the membership is reaping the rewards of its manner of sluggish growth – specifically in sticking with Barker thru difficult instances.

The PSL could be a cut-throat business for coaches, with giants Kaizer Chiefs all set to nominate their 9th schoolteacher since Barker took fee of Stellies, year Orlando Pirates have had 4 other bosses in that age.

The dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns is partially right down to their training balance – with most effective 3 reshuffles since Pitso Mosimane used to be appointed in 2012 – and Stellies subsidized Barker after they narrowly have shyed away from the relegation play-offs on the finish of 2020-21.

“When they were down at the bottom half of the log, the club realised the playing personnel wasn’t good enough and that it wasn’t Steve’s fault,” Gibbs informed BBC Sports activities Africa.

“I think they felt he was doing the best he could do with the material at hand.”

Gibbs predicts that Barker’s career will undergo a different trajectory to his uncle Clive, given that the two have developed in different environments.

Clive spent the majority of his club career coaching sides such as AmaZulu, Bush Bucks and Maritzburg United, who all lacked the structures and support needed to compete with the traditional giants in South Africa.

“Stellenbosch are one of the best supported teams in the country and one of the only teams that can compete with Sundowns,” Gibbs said.

“Steve also did very well at the University of Pretoria (AmaTuks), where they have tremendous support structures.

“Clive was more of a tactician. His secret was that he identified players and gave them jobs to do in the team according to their potential.”

Next up for Steve Barker is the challenge of continental football, but could he follow in the footsteps of his uncle and coach Bafana Bafana?

“Like any coach, you want to be coaching at the highest level,” he explained.

“It would be an honour to coach the national team. Right now, my focus is on where I am and to continue growing as a coach.”