Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says the club has earned the right to be in the MTN8 final, but it is up to them to overcome the final hurdle.

The Cape Winelands side will battle it out with Orlando Pirates at the Mbombela Stadium for the top-eight trophy.

Stellies come into this fixture off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns at Athlone Stadium in the Betway Premiership on 30 August.

Barker says he is excited for the final and is relishing the chance to win the MTN8 trophy as a coach, having previously won it as a player.

“We deserve to be here and have earned the right to be in the final, but it’s up to us now to make the most of this opportunity that has presented itself,” Barker told his club’s official website.

“There’s a lot of anticipation, excitement, and energy among the players.

“A cup final week is always a special week, and it is something that players, coaches, and clubs want to be involved in, competing to win trophies at the highest level.

“Winning trophies is part of any footballer’s dream, and hopefully we can make that come true.

“It’s 30 years since I won the BP Top 8 as a player, and hopefully I can now win it as the MTN8 as a coach as well.”