NOT FOR SALE: Steve Barker sends warning to DStv Premiership rivals interested in star players

Stellenbosch has produced local talent that have in the past gone on to establish themselves at more renowned DStv Premiership rivals.

But after a remarkable 2023/24 season where they lifted the Carling Knockout and stand a chance to finish second in the league, Barker is not keen to let go of any of his best players.

Devon Titus is one of the Stellies stars who has been linked with a big-money move away from the club as the 24-year-old has scored 10 goals and five assists across all competitions ahead of the final match of the season.

Jayden Adams is also the talk of town as he is linked with a move to a Gauteng-based team.

READ: Five major DStv Premiership talking points ahead of season finale

Barker, who has alluded to the plan of adding more personnel to his squad in anticipation of continental football.

“It is going to be more difficult for teams because the stock of the players is a lot higher and far more valuable,” said Barker. 

“My players will be playing in Africa. We weren’t playing in Africa before. We weren’t challenging enough to win trophies and now we’ve won a trophy.

“It is more difficult for teams to [come to us] and say, ‘We want this one and that one’. It’ll be tough. We are confident that we can retain our squad.

“Maybe there will be a single situation here and there that we will have to maybe consider, but right now there are no talks, no offers, and no one is for sale… nothing whatsoever,” the Stellies mentor concluded.

Notable players who have left Stellies in recent years

Zitha Kwinika to Kaizer Chiefs
Phathutshedzo Nange to Chiefs
Junior Mendieta to Mamelodi Sundowns
Sibongiseni Mthethwa to Chiefs
Olwethu Makhanya to Philadelphia Union
Ashely du Preez to Chiefs
Iqraam Rayners to SuperSport United
Nkanyiso Zungu to Orlando Pirates