Head coach at Stellenbosch FC, Steve Barker, has given an insight on how former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lesiba Nku has settled at the club.
Nku joined Stellenbosch on the deadline day of the January transfer window period from the 2016 CAF Champions League winners – Sundowns.
The move nearly collapsed as Nku and the club failed to reach an agreement. But after ironing issues out, Stellenbosch confirmed Nku’s signing on a permanent deal.
The 28-year-old spent only a season at the current Betway Premiership champions, Sundowns. The move came after an impressive display at Marumo Gallants during their CAF Confederation Cup run.
Nku scored his first goal for the club during the 2-1 win against Sekhukhune United in the league on Sunday.
HOW LESIBA NKU HAS SETTLED AT STELLENBOSCH AFTER THE MOVE FROM MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
“He has settled well. Obviously, he has not played much football when he was at Sundowns,” said Barker. “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 just to build him up. He is going to be a massive player for us, and he is already a massive player for us.
“It was important for him to get off the score sheet. He is a real quality footballer, and I am really pleased with him.”
GOOD ENVIRONMENT AT BETWAY PREMIERSHIP CLUB, HELPING NEW PLAYERS
In the same match against Sekhukhune, Thato Khiba also scored his first goal for the club. Khiba joined Stellenbosch after impressing at TS Galaxy.
“It was Thato’s first goal as well. A big impact for them to score, so I am really pleased about that.”
Barker has also acknowledged that the environment at the club also plays a huge part in the new players settling in.
“I think it plays a massive part because often it’s the individuals that come in and fall into what we do and how we do things. If we have good processes and good structures, it’s a lot easier to fit in.”
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