Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker remains confident that the club will retain its key players despite interest from rival teams.
The Cape Town-based side has sold several of their influential players in the previous seasons to fellow top-flight rivals such as Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Zitha Kwinika, and Ashely Du Preez have been some of the players who have departed Stellies, while also Junior Mendieta sealed a blockbuster transfer to Sundowns.
Currently, captain Deano van Rooyen is being targeted by Orlando Pirates and Fawaaz Basadien is attracting interest from Kaizer Chiefs.
Speaking at the MTN8 launch Barker revealed that the club assured him none of his key players will leave.
“I think I’ve been in the game for long enough, and it is that time of the season when there’s always talks of clubs being interested in your players, but I think our players are happy where they are,” Barker said.
“We have shown that we can compete to win medals and trophies, we’ve shown competitiveness in the league, and we’re now playing in the continental inter-club competition.
“So, the players are excited to be part of that journey and to help the club continue to grow and continue to be successful.”
The Maroons had a successful season in the previous term finishing third in the league, which secured the CAF Confederations spot and winning the Carling Knockout marking a significant achievement in the club’s history.
The 56-year-old mentor stated the importance of consistency in the new campaign.
“I’ve always maintained that for a club to have sustainable success, you need consistency.
“Two seasons back we finished fourth in the league, and now we’re finished third in the league, so we’re starting to show we’re establishing ourselves.
“We also have the players that can keep us at that level, and obviously a lot of them have now made national teams, whether it’s Bafana or COSAFA Cup.
“So, from a player point of view, we’ve got a quality team of quality players that can continue to allow us to believe that we can be competitive in all cup competitions – starting with the MTN8 on the weekend, as well as the league.”
Stellenbosch will face TS Galaxy in the MTN8 quarter-final at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞! 🤩
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 29, 2024
Our 2024-25 campaign gets underway this weekend!
🆚 TS Galaxy
🏆 MTN8 quarter-final
🏟 Danie Craven Stadium
🗓️ Sunday, 4 August
🕙 15h00
🎟️ R60.00
🛒 Ticketpro
📺 SuperSport PSL 202 pic.twitter.com/TOWrJK3ekJ
