Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker says now is not the right time to speak about Jayden Adams’ future at the club.
Adams, 22, was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has emerged as one of the leading performers in the DStv Premiership.
The development product of Stellenbosch has naturally started to attract attention within the league and the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns have been reported to have made enquiries.
“I don’t think it’s the right time [to entertain Adams exit] we have to concentrate on what we need to do in the short-term which is to have a solid season,” Barker said.
“Players like Jayden are important to us and we need him to be focused, be with us, be present until the end of the season and then we’ll see what happens.”
With three goals and two assists in 23 games this season, Adams has been one of the more influential players in a squad dominated by DStv Diski Challenge graduates.
And it’s something they share similarities with in their quarter-final opposition, SuperSport United, with whom they are vying for in the race for CAF inter-club football this season.
“I think that’s why our encounters are tight, they have some good seasoned senior players, so do we, they have some good young players, so we do,” Barker said about the similarities to SuperSport United,” Barker explained.
“Their structures, and youth system are known in South Africa to have produced many top talented footballers, so we’re on that path. We’re trying to emulate the Ajax’s of the past and SuperSport in producing young players.
“I think that’s why our games are so tough and close with SuperSport, as you say there’s a lot of similarities.”
