Barker on Sundowns interest: The only move Jayden Adams should consider

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has made it clear which move would be acceptable for Jayden Adams amidst interest from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Adams, who is currently in Nigeria with Bafana Bafana, is on the radar of Sundowns. Bafana take on the Super Eagles in a Group C FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The 23-year-old, who made 26 appearances for Stellies this season, impressed with six assists for the club. With his immense contribution, the Cape Winelands outfit finished third on the DStv Premiership table and won the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup.

Stellenbosch will play in the CAF Confederation Cup next season and are eager to retain their star players. They have already started beefing up and signing Sanele Barns from Richards Bay FC.

Barker has echoed Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ reservations about Adams’ potential transfer to Chloorkop. While Mamelodi Sundowns has been linked with the player, both coaches believe a move would hinder Adams’ development and harm the national team’s prospects.

WHAT STEVE BARKER SAID ABOUT JAYDEN ADAMS MOVE 

Barker emphasised that Stellenbosch FC has yet to receive any official offers for Adams and highlighted the club’s commitment to nurturing talent for the national team. He acknowledged the importance of allowing players to pursue higher-level opportunities but stressed that Stellenbosch is now a competitive team capable of providing the necessary platform for growth.

“I don’t see any reason why a player like Jayden should go to any other club in the country. [That’s] because we are as competitive as any other club,” Barker told MSW. He believes that Adams should only consider a move overseas if it presents a genuine opportunity for advancement.

“In cases like Jayden and Olwethu [Makhanya], for example, if they get better opportunities to play at a higher level, we need to let them go. We can’t be selfish and want to keep players that have the talent to play in Europe to stay.”

Broos echoed Barker’s sentiments, expressing concerns that a transfer to Sundowns could limit Adams’ playing time and hinder his progress. He emphasised the importance of regular game time for young players’ development. Barker suggested that a move to a club where Adams might not feature as prominently would be detrimental.

“He’s on the right trajectory in terms of remuneration and his growth in the team. One thing about Jayden is that he just loves playing football. He doesn’t want to know what regeneration or recovery is. The next day after a match, he wants to train, and he’ll say he will take it easy. Going to a team perhaps where he won’t play as regularly, I don’t think it’s the right move.”

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