Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has given his verdict on the fitness of their new signing Kgaogelo Sekgota.
The 26-year-old winger signed for the Cape Winelands outfit from Kaizer Chiefs, where he spent two seasons.
The Limpopo-born footballer featured in 29 matches for Amakhosi last campaign. Overall, he played 48 matches across competitions for the Soweto giants.
Sekgota signed for Stellies given his extensive experience of the beautiful game, having previously represented teams such as Vitória Setúbal in the Portuguese, Stumbras in Lithuania, Bidvest Wits and Moroka Swallows.
To add to that, he has won four caps for Bafana Bafana.
STEVE BARKER’S VERDICT ON KGAOGELO SEKGOTA’S FITNESS
Barker has said Stellies’ new recruit, Sekgota, has settled in well since his transfer was confirmed last week. However, his match fitness is not yet up to standard.
Sekgota has featured in the last two league games for Stellenbosch against Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City. He came on as a substitute in both games.
“He’s getting there obviously because he hasn’t played a lot of matches,” said Barker in Polokwane after Stellies’ 1-0 defeat to Rise and Shine.
“He was away in Tanzania and Botswana, and he wasn’t really playing or staring matches even coming on. So, he’s not match sharp as we would like him to be. There’s still a lot of work that he still needs to do.
Barker continued: “But he had some decent moments and positives. However, he will get better.”
Meanwhile, Barker believes that Sekgota is an exciting attacking player who has a good pedigree, having represented the national team and has the ability to go past players, to create opportunities for his teammates, and to score goals himself.
STELLIES’ NEXT ASSIGNMENT
Stellies will now shift their focus to their MTN8 quarter-final clash against SuperSport United on Sunday, 13 August 2023.
The game will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, with the kick-off set for 18:00.
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