stellenbosch fc Kaizer Chiefs

Steve Barker, head coach of Stellenbosch FC is interviewed after the National First Division 2018/19 game between Stellenbosch FC and Maccabi FC at Idas Valley Stadium in Stellenbosch on 5 May 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs’ raids frustrate Stellenbosch FC coach

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has bemoaned the club’s willingness to sell its best players to PSL rivals, especially Kaizer Chiefs.

stellenbosch fc Kaizer Chiefs

Steve Barker, head coach of Stellenbosch FC is interviewed after the National First Division 2018/19 game between Stellenbosch FC and Maccabi FC at Idas Valley Stadium in Stellenbosch on 5 May 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has bemoaned the club’s willingness to sell its best players to PSL rivals, especially Kaizer Chiefs.

Barker has already lost defensive stalwart Zitha Kwinika and attacker Ashley du Preez to Amakhosi and they have been strongly linked with more players on the Cape side’s books.

Kaizer Chiefs want another Stellies pair

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Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly lined up moves for Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Junior Mendieta.

“Personally as a coach I want us to be successful, I want us to start challenging higher up on the league table and having Cup runs like we have [at the moment in the Nedbank Cup],” said Barker as quoted by Phakaaathi.

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“If we want to do that it is important that we start being the team that doesn’t lose its best players and we are able to retain our best players.

“So, if we are able to retain our young players that we have – five of them are selected for the Under-23 preliminary squad.

“Plus players like Mendieta and Mthethwa, Iqraam Rayners, those are the experienced players that we brought and they have the quality.

Kaizer Chiefs Du Preez
Ashley du Preez left Stellenbosch FC to join Chiefs. Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

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“It is important for us as a football club to also be successful and that will be by retaining the players that we have.”

Failing to back up last season

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After a fourth place finish in the DStv Premiership last season, Stellenbosch FC are currently languishing in tenth on the log.

Barker can see the writing on the wall.

While the willingness to do business with Kaizer Chiefs doesn’t extend down to Barker, that might count for little.

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