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Steve Barker discusses Stellenbosch transfer plans, poor league form

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Barker on transfer business ahead of deadline, sluggish start to league campaign

Photo: Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has opened up on the club’s transfer plans and addressed the slugging form in the league.

With the transfer deadline day looming as the window is set to slam shut on Monday, 22 September, Stellies have already made a couple of signings to bolster their ranks.

When quizzed on whether he is satisfied with the players at his disposal after losing key players like Fawaaz Basadien and Sihle Nduli, Barker backed his new recruits.

“I am satisfied with the squad that we have, we brought in good replacements – Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Turan Manafov, today [vs AmaZulu on Wednesday] was the first minutes he sort of played. I think over time he will show the qualities that he has,” he asserted.

“We have Mosa Moshekane that is recovering from an illness and is also available, those are some of the signings we brought it. Henri Stanic, Thapelo Mokobodi, you could see the qualities that he has in midfield today, so I’m happy with the squad that we have.

On the poor form in the Betway Premiership, the Maroons mentor called for patience, stressing the importance of synchronizing new signings with the other players.

“It’s just a matter of time before we figure it out and get everybody ticking and playing as a team, getting to know each other better, the strengths of each and every individual,” Barker added.

“So, I don’t believe we need any strengthening, I believe we just need perseverance, resilience, a bit of patience, belief, and trust in our process and I have no doubts in my mind that we will still turn out to have a really special season.

“There is a lot to look forward to, there’s the league, there’s obviously the Confed Cup, there’s the Carling [Knockout Cup] around the corner, there’s the Nedbank Cup – so there’s still a lot to play for and I’m confident what we have will serve us well.

The Cape Winelands outfit will be eager to improve on their 13th place standing and return to winning ways when they host Richards Bay at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday (17h30).