This, after Barker turned Black Aces into a force to be reckoned with amongst the top flight teams, beating both Pirates and Chiefs away from home to help AmaZayoni enter the top half of the log with just four games to go.

Even Mayor Mike Masina, a die-hard Pirates fan, was forced to admit this week the quality team that is Black Aces, and agreed with their “Giant Killers” tag.

“The Dog” beat stiff competition from the likes of Pitso Mosimane and Gavin Hunt who have done very well with their clubs in the third quarter too, the PSL reported.

Judges convener Farouk Khan stated on the PSL website: “Barker is no stranger to league success having won top flight league honours with Durban Bush Bucks and Santos, and is known in the football industry as a superb motivator, which allows for players to feel like champions and match winners when taking to the field.”

Bidvest Wits striker Sthembiso Ngcobo won the player award.