Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has hinted at two major exits at the club ahead of the January transfer window.
The players in question, Lesiba Nku and Lehlohonolo Mojela, have been sidelined by Barker in recent weeks.
Reports were that the duo was no longer training with the first team. Speaking to Andile Ncube on SNAWA, the veteran mentor confirmed that the club is reviewing the pair’s future with the team.
“I think Lesiba, at his age and quality, wants to be playing a lot more than he is. It does lead to some frustration at times,” he said. “Bradley [Mojela] came to the club, started really well for us and had a big, massive injury, was out for close to a year with his ACL. He’s struggled a bit to regain his mojo, confidence, and belief.”
Barker hinted that he has held “honest chats” with the duo, suggesting that a move might be necessary “just to refresh them and get their careers back on track.”
BARKER INSISTS NO OFF-FIELD ISSUES
While speculation linked the players’ absence to a demotion, Barker clarified there were no off-field issues with either Nku or Mojela. He added that the club hopes they will secure new clubs in January.
“I don’t think there is anything bigger, as I said, it’s a question of whether it wasn’t working out,” he explained, adding that their frustrations were clear. Barker said there was already interest in both from clubs.
“We know both Bradley and Lesiba will find clubs; there’s already been interest in both. It’s not a question of whether we keep them training and that, they need a little bit of a break also to refresh themselves.
“They’ve got options if they want to continue training at the club, that is available to them or if they just want to go home and refresh themselves whilst their agents look for them – that’s also a decision they can make.
“There is a number of clubs interested, agent and player need to make the right decision, and us as club also. I don’t expect them to be with us after January.”
Mojela joined Stellies in July 2024 and initially enjoyed a promising start, netting six goals in his first 10 appearances.
However, a serious knee injury sidelined him for the rest of that campaign. Since returning to play this season, he has struggled for scoring form.
Nku, on the other hand, joined Stellies from Mamelodi Sundowns on a permanent basis in January 2025. The 29-year-old subsequently made 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals.
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