How Stellenbosch survives losing key players

The Western Cape side has been losing key players in the last three seasons, and in this window period they have sold two of their key players in Iqraam Rayners, to Mamelodi Sundowns and Deano Van Rooyen to Orlando Pirates. 

READ: Bradley Grobler to give Golden Boot chase another go

Barker speaking exclusively with SABC Sport says they always plan and strategise as they understand the football landscape.

''I wouldn't use the word lucky. I think it is good planning and strategy, we know how the football landscape works. There are times and opportunities that players do move on, and if that happens, we do our planning in advance, if it does happen we know that we have a plan B,'' said Barker.

Coach Steve Barker is one of the long serving coaches in one club following coach Manqoba Mngqithi at Mamelodi Sundowns, Eric Tinkler at Cape Town City and coach Gavin Hunt with Supersport United.  Barker says having a good structure helps any team to succeed and gives them freedom to excel.

''Yeah, obviously I believe part of having sustainable success, I think you need good continuity, we have good staff, I believe that the staff is the key component for the success of the team as well as sound management and obviously the players. This helps the club not to restart all the time,'' added Barker.

The Western Cape side will play next two home games in Durban, due to unavailability of their stadium. Barker has discussed the challenges and hopes their good record in Moses Mabhida Stadium will continue in their CAF Confederations Cup and MTN8. Stellies won their first ever top flight trophy (Carling Knockout cup) in Durban.

''It is not ideal that we are not playing in front of our fans in the Western Cape. We had a very wet winter. To Durban the warmest place in the country, beautiful town and beautiful stadium - so enjoy being here, it is a home away from home. Hopefully it can be a stadium where we can get positive results,'' he concluded.

By the time Betway Premiership games kick off, Stellenbosch FC, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates would’ve played five competitive games. Coach Steve Barker discusses the impact of that with other teams analysing them.

Stellenbosch took a huge advantage in the first round of the CAF Confederations Cup against Nsingizini Hotspurs FC, following a 3-0 win on Saturday afternoon at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Barker appreciated the Eswatini outfit for hosting their home fixture in South Africa as he was reflecting on the game.