Stellenbosch FC vindicated – youth model proves a hit despite access to funds

The side from the Winelands will face TS Galaxy in the final of the Carling Knockout Cup on 16 December and even with possible access to the kind of money that would make his team extremely competitive, Barker argues they’ve done it the hard way.

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"We each asked a question the whole squad, you know. What makes you feel special and to be part of this group and I actually said 'To be part of this club we don't buy opportunity, we create opportunity'," Barker said.

"So, I think that's the way we do things and we'll continue to create opportunities. To see Olwethu Makhanya in the stands today, coming back from MLS, looks like he's got an adidas sponsor or something, he's looking sharp there. To see somebody like that coming back and supporting the team. A player like Mthethwa [Sibongiseni], he sms's us and says well done, making the final."

The Stellenbosch academy has produced countless emerging talent later snatched up by their more established rivals – the likes of striker Ashley Du Preez and Olwethu Makhanya being prime examples.

Barker explains why the club didn’t waver in this approach.

"Laying foundations is long term success, so, there were times where in the second year of our promotion we were almost relegated. Jayden Adams then only had 20/30 caps, Devin Titus had few caps. We were a young team," Barker added.

"Second year syndrome is always difficult but I always said that short term risk but long-term gain and I think that's what we starting to see. We starting to see the rewards of investing in young players, giving young players an opportunity. So, I think we are laying a really good foundation."

Stellies have since moved swiftly to tie down Jayden Adams (22), Devin Titus (23) and Kyle Jurgens (20) to new long-term contracts.

And Barker hopes they contribute to edging them closer to more silverware.

"There's a core young group of players that we have to keep together. Those are players like Jayden Adams and Devin Titus. Hopefully they are committed to the club and want to be here for long term as they've shown by signing long term contracts.

“If we show that we can win trophies and we show that we can compete at the top end of the table then there's no reason for the players wanting to leave. Why would you wanna go to a bigger club that's maybe not challenging and winning things. So, hopefully by being successful and doing what we're doing those players, this is where they will be and wanna be."