Stellenbosch FC eager to unleash Ashley Cupido against Mamelodi Sundowns

The club secured the services of the former junior international following prolonged discussions with Cape Town Spurs, with an agreement eventually struck as forward Mervin Boji went in the opposite direction. 

Barker explained why Stellies had to move quickly to sign Cupido. 

"It was key for us to try and find a replacement for Rainers, and we felt that Ashley fit the bill. He's the type of player we believe will fit into our system really well," said Barker.

"He's also shown that he can score goals, almost the same as Iqy [Iqraam] in the NFD, and then last season he had a good return of goals for a team that was struggling.

"So I believe he's a goal scorer, he's got presence, pace, a bit of power, and he knows how to score, so I think he'll add depth and quality to our team – as you could see this evening [against Sundowns].

"It was a bit tough to play Bradley [Mojela] throughout the match, and we didn't really have any other options on the bench, but I trust and believe that he'll be available for the second leg."

Barker says they are still in the market for a right-back to replace Deano van Rooyen, who has joined Orlando Pirates, despite Kyle Jurgens’ impressive showing against Downs on Wednesday night. 

"Kyle has filled in for van Rooyen many times in the past, and he's got a good attitude and he's a fighter – a sort of no-holds-barred defender, he commits himself, and he's good technically and aerially," the coach added.

"So, he's in our squad as a midfielder – a number six – to compete with Sihle [Nduli], so we are still in the market for a replacement for van Rooyen, but for now [Jurgens] is filling in and doing a magnificent job."

Stellies take a 1-0 lead, with the added advantage of an away-goal, into the second leg tie at Moses Mabhida, where the Cape side are temporarily based due to the unavailability of stadia in the Mother City this weekend.

READ: Barker heaps praise on tactically disciplined Stellies