Confirmed: Stellenbosch assessing former Kaizer Chiefs youth product

The Cape Winelands side are searching for a player with similar qualities to hardman Sibongiseni Mthethwa, who joined Chiefs just last week after the Soweto giants triggered his release clause. 

READ: Revealed: What Kaizer Chiefs paid Stellies for Sibongiseni Mthethwa

Matsheke spent the previous campaign on loan at Moroka Swallows, but is now a free agent, and Barker is yet to make a decision. 

"Ja, no, we are going to look at him. We want to assess where he's at, but it's been difficult because he only joined us whilst we've been here in Gauteng, and we didn't go back after the Pirates game [on Sunday]," explained Barker.

"So, obviously, Monday was a light session because of the match on Sunday, and yesterday [Tuesday] was a light session because of the match [against Sundowns], so he'll travel back with the squad [on Thursday], and we'll give him an opportunity.

"With the little bit I've seen over the last few days, I've been suitably impressed. But we'll give him a good assessment and we'll take it from there."

Matsheke is not yet in his prime and could be an ideal signing for a Stellies side which Barker insists won’t shy away from continuing to give young players a platform. 

The coach does acknowledge, however, the need to move up the table following their 3-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday. 

"We pride ourselves and trust in our young players. We take pride in the processes that we've put in place, and I can guarantee you that our log position is not showing our true performances over the first eight matches," he added.

"So, we look at performances and we know that we are not far from turning this corner and going on a really good run [of results]."

READ: Sundowns brush Stellies aside to set new PSL record