Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has explained how long they have been looking to sign Thato Khiba and Lesiba Nku.
Khiba and Nku both signed permanent deals with Stellenbosch in the January transfer window, joining them from TS Galaxy and Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively.
Since arriving, Khiba has performed well in the middle and sometimes converted to the right-back position. He has already won a Man of the Match award in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 against Kruger United.
Meanwhile, Nku debuted against Sekhukhune United in a 1-1 draw at Danie Craven Stadium, where the former Sundowns winger played his first official match since May 2024.
Barker explained how long they’ve wanted the duo, stating that both deals were close, but broke down a few times at the last minute.
“It’s been a while. I mean, we liked him a year-and-a-half ago, we tried to get him in the pre-season,” Barker told the media when asked about Khiba.
“It was close to getting done it’s just unfortunate that just one or two things broke down at the last minute, and then we were fortunate to restart the negotiations again this window so he has been in our radar for a while now.
“As for Lesiba, even before he went to Sundowns we were in the market for him. Unfortunately at that time we lost out to Sundowns, so he is also another player we are happy to have at Stellenbosch.
“Thato he has been here a bit longer and he has fitted nicely and I’m sure Lesiba you see obviously he hasn’t played for a while, he lacks match fitness and sharpness.”