Stellenbosch looking to hold on to key players

Following news that Barker himself had signed a long-term contract until June 2026, it’s expected that he’ll have an influence on who comes in and who goes.

The side from the Winelands sold captain Zitha Kwinika and striker Ashley Du Preez for a reported combined figure of R13-million to Kaizer Chiefs at the start of the current campaign, and Barker doesn’t want to lose more. 

"Personally, as a coach, I want us to be successful. I want us to start challenging higher up the league table and be on cup runs as we have. If we want to do that it's important that we start becoming a team that doesn't lose our best players and that we can retain our best players," he said.

A player that has stood out for Stellenbosch this season is defender Olowethu Makhanya, who has since been rewarded with a call-up to the U23 squad facing Congo Brazzaville in an Olympic Games qualifier next week.

"At the beginning of the season we had a crisis at centre back, injuries and suspensions. We just couldn't get a settled combination at the back and then Olowethu showed enough at training to be given an opportunity. He's taken it with both hands," he added.

Barker adds that the 18-year-old is a fast learner and could soon be a big name.

"If you look at Olowethu, his age, his character as a person. He's a great kid, hardworking, wants to learn, wants to grow. He's athletic, he's got the size, he's left footed/right footed, he's comfortable on the ball. He's got a desire to win football matches so I predict a very bright future for him," he concluded.