Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker says they are aiming to retain their top talent and outlined their January transfer plans.
After losing Junior Mendieta, Olwethu Makhanya, Ibraheem Jabaar, Vusi Sibiya, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Sinethemba Mngomezulu it appeared that the squad was in disarray – having lost Ashley du Preez and Zitha Kwinika a season prior.
The core of their squad that saw them finish in fourth and sixth place had been ripped out from them but some shrewd moves in the market has seen them bounce back even better.
Having won the Carling Knockout and fighting for CAF inter-club qualification spots at the halfway mark of the season, Barker is now looking for progression as naturally some of his players are already being courted.
“It’s a very good point you’ve made Lorenz [on improving depth], I feel for the first time as a coach at Stellenbosch we have the ability to have depth, I remember two three seasons ago when making subs we were bringing Jayden, Devin, Antonio,” Barker said.
“But they were still babies, they were still young, and it was tough at that stage, we just couldn’t affect games because of the lack of experience but that perseverance, belief and trust in them is starting to show.
“We’ve added good quality so it’s nice for me as a coach that I can change things tactically, bring on people who can change the game for us, so that’s changed.”
Fawaz Basadien has been subject of interest from Kaizer Chiefs, while Jayden Adams has caught the eye of the big three ahead of his first Africa Cup of Nations with Bafana Bafana.
“As a coach, this is what I want, I want more depth, more quality because I believe if we can keep this squad we have, add one or two others in January, a really good signing then maybe in the next window not lose any players, then I don’t see any reason why we can’t be at the forefront of being competitive – that is my wish.”
Stellenbosch are currently in fourth with eight wins, two draws and five defeats in 15 games – with 25 points they trail league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by nine points.
