Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has explained how his side beat Kaizer Chiefs to the signing of midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane.
The 24-year-old joined the Cape Winelands side from the Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit, Milford FC this transfer window.
He has made six appearances in the maroon colours – three in the Betway Premiership and three in the MTN8, and has scored one goal so far.
It appears Mthiyane, who turned out for Milford for the past two seasons, was also a target for Amakhosi following his impressive showings in the second-tier.
Barker was asked how they managed to land the signature of the midfielder ahead of Chiefs. He stated that they always move fast whenever they spot a talent who can contribute to the team.
He added that they snapped up the talented player right from under the noses of top-flight clubs in KwaZulu-Natal.
“I wasn’t aware that Chiefs [wanted him], until I recently read where his previous coach [Mandla Qhogi], saying Chiefs lost out on him,” said Barker.
“You know I’ve coached AmaZulu, I was here in the past. I felt it’s a team that, there’s so much talent in their doorstep.
“You know how many players that end up going to Gauteng and not being found over here. I’m sure AmaZulu would have [seen] Mthetheleli when they played friendlies with Milford.
“From afar, we don’t have scouts here [in KZN], we watch First Division matches. We have ability to get data on the players there.
“And then once we see a player is doing really well, we monitor and follow them.
“I do believe what we do well, we act fast when we believe that there’s somebody that we believe is a good player. We don’t hesitate to try and get them as soon as we can. Hopefully that can continue.”
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