Barker on big clubs’ interest in Stellenbosch players: ‘It’s a bit irritating’
Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has opened up on the so-called big clubs’ continuous interest in a handful of players at his disposal.
The Betway Premiership club has been rapidly developing in recent seasons under Barker’s leadership, leading to increased attention from both domestic and international teams.
While Stellenbosch has seen several players making big moves in recent years, including Olwethu Makhanya, Ashley Du Preez, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Iqraam Rayners, and Antonio van Wyk, the club continues to produce talented players.
Fawaaz Basadien, Ismail Toure, and Jayden Adams are among those who have been heavily linked with Gauteng clubs.
Barker acknowledges the mixed emotions that come with seeing his players attract interest from the so-called big clubs.
While he admitted that, at times, he gets “irritated” because losing players can impact the team’s ambitions, he also emphasises the pride they take in developing such talent.
He believes it’s a testament to Stellenbosch’s ability to identify and nurture promising players.
BARKER OPENS UP ON BIG CLUBS’ INTERESTS IN STELLENBOSCH PLAYERS
“When teams like these are interested in your players, there’s two ways to look at it, obviously it can be a bit irritating because you also have your own ambitions as a team,” said Barker.
“On the other hand, you’ve got to look at it and be proud of what we’re doing as a football club.
“[It’s great] to see so many players coming through and enhancing their careers and going forward.”
The 56-year-old coach explained that the increased interest in Stellenbosch players is a direct result of the club’s growing success.
He also mentioned that some players have chosen to remain with the club despite being wanted by other teams.
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“Every year we establish ourselves as a football club, the more successful we become, the more we advance in African continental competitions, the more our players are starting to make Bafana squad like recently,” he added.
“There’s a lot of interest in other players as well. They are happy to be here and don’t want to go anywhere.
“You get a little bit irritated because of the hard work you put in. You don’t see the fruition to them.
“But at the same time, you have to be happy for people that move on. Like Deano Van Rooyen, it’s a life-long ambition to play for his boyhood club that he supported.
“He served us brilliantly from NFD days, served the team as a captain, the most capped. He deserves a move like that to that type of team at this stage of his career.
“But it doesn’t mean that everybody [has to move]. There’s place and time for each and every situation.”