Barker raises transfer window concerns after losing Mthethwa to Amakhosi

In the aftermath of losing Sibongiseni Mthethwa to Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has highlighted the disadvantages small teams face when a transfer window is longer than usual.

The transfer window closed on 22 September having been opened on 3 July. Several PSL teams got busy beefing up their squads, benefitting from the massive extension.

Barker raised his concerns after Stellenbosch was eliminated from the MTN8 by Orlando Pirates via the away goal rule on Sunday at Orlando Stadium.

They won the second leg 1-0 but that was not enough to secure a spot in the final as they had suffered a 2-1 defeat in the first leg at home.

Although they won, coach Barker felt the absence of Sibongiseni Mthethwa who joined Chiefs.

Kaizer Chiefs lured Mthethwa after activating a buy-out clause in his contract with Stellenbosch FC to secure his services.

WHAT COACH STEVE BARKER SAID

However, coach Barker feels smaller teams like his Stellenbosch, are easily bullied if the transfer window is prolonged.

“I don’t want to talk too much on the transfer because it has already happened,” said Barker. “There is not much we could do because a clause in his contract was activated. We always knew if that happens, there is nothing we can do.

“It’s a pity the window stayed open for so long and it’s unfair on smaller teams like us. When you start the season well, players doing well.

“And all of a sudden, one or two teams that don’t start well, seeing they may need something. And it makes it difficult.

“But like I said, we are a club that does not stall careers. We enhance careers. We wish him well.”

While Barker is yet to find a perfect fit to replace Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Stellies have been hard hit by injuries.

They are set to miss four key players when they face Sundowns on Wednesday. Three of them, Iqraam Rayners, Fawaaz Basadien, and Dean van Rooyen are injured.

Jayden Adams who is suspended after accumulating the maximum number of yellow cards, completes the unavailable quartet.

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