Steve Barker has wished Zitha Kwinika and Ashley Du Preez all the best at Kaizer Chiefs, and said he is looking forward to face them in the opening game of the 2022/2023 season.
Barker told Rob Delport in an interview in the latest iDiski Times that Kwinika had been a role model at the club. Kwinika himself said before leaving, that he arrived as grapes in Stellenbosch, and left as wine.
“Ja, no, Zitha, I thought that quote was really good,” Barker told iDiski Times.
“You know, he was massive for us in the two years that he was here, his leadership and quality of play, the calmness he brings to the field. So we only wish him well.
“I think I’ve never been a coach that doesn’t believe that there’s other opportunities that are perhaps at that stage of a player’s career more lucrative or from a football expense, uplift them, then they must take those opportunities.”
Barker also wishes Du Preez well, and, having guided him throughout his professional career, he is confident he will be a star, though he hopes he doesn’t score against his former team when they meet at the start of the 2022/2023 season.
“So it’s always satisfying for me to see players do well and move on, and then make really good careers for themselves, and I’m hoping Ashley will too,” Barker continued.
“Undoubtedly, he has got the talent and the ability, so we only wish him well and ja, ironically, we play Chiefs in the quarterfinal of the MTN8, and their first game in Chiefs colours will be against us!
“It’s going to be very interesting, as long as Ashley doesn’t score, he could be in trouble here (laughs).”
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