Steve Barker on the Stellies dressing room environment

With their rivals forcing them to sell their best assets, Stellies have reinvested the money with adequate replacements and Barker is happy to witness Lesiba Nku, Thato Khiba, Ashely Cupido and Chumani Butsaka find their feet in no time.

Nku, who was signed from Mamelodi Sundowns in January, scored his first goal in the 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United at the weekend.

Barker believes the dressing room environment has had an impact.

"I think it plays a massive part because often it's the individuals that come in that fall into what we do and how we do things and if we have got good processes and good structures it's a lot easier to fit in,” Barker said.

“So both Thato and Lesiba coming in and doing what they are [doing]. Even players like Chumani and Cupido, Kazie [Enyinnaya Godswill] the right back has really settled in nicely, starting to have an impact.

“There are other players that I'm not even mentioning now that have joined. So, it does help when you do things and when it's structured, it's easier for players to settle in."

READ: Hugo Broos on the lookout for more younger defenders for Bafana Bafana

The coach is confident that Nku will help them finish the campaign strong as they target a CAF spot for a second successive year.

"Yes, he's settled well obviously having not played that much football whilst at Sundowns, he had a couple of injuries plus not playing and training the way he should have been. It's taken a bit of a while to just build him up,” the coach added.

“So, he's gonna be a massive player for us, he's already a massive player for us and it was important for him to get on the score sheet. A real quality footballer so I'm really pleased for him."

Barker also singled out defender Thabo Moloisane, who continues talks with Stellies over a new contract, following his inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad for the two FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

"Yeah, I'm proud of Thabo, he's a real professional, works hard, gets on with his work. Sometimes centre-backs don't always get noticed for what they do but he defends very well and is good on the ball,” he explained.

“So, he works hard and he was looking forward to this opportunity, I'm really pleased for him. I'm sure he will add big value to the Bafana team."