Farouk Khan explains reasons behind Stellenbosch FC’s poor form
Renowned youth coach Farouk Khan has explained the reasons behind Stellenbosch FC’s poor form in the DStv Premiership this season.
This season has been a complete contrast for Stellenbosch compared to the 2021/22 season.
According to OptaJabu, the Cape side is 10 points behind the number of points they had collected at this point last season.
After 19 games last season, Stellenbosch were in third place with 30 points. However, this season, Stellies is close to the relegation zone, in 13th place, with 20 points accumulated so far.
The former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach and director of coaching at Stars of Africa Football Academy, Farouk Khan, revealed two issues Stellenbosch might be facing this season.
ADAPTATION OF STELLENBOSCH FC’S YOUTH PLAYERS TO FIRST TEAM
Stellenbosch has the youngest squad in the DStv Premiership this season, with an average age of 25,1.
Khan has shared his thoughts about the average age at Stellenbosch and how it is affecting their season.
“So, obviously, the first reason that comes to mind will be that the trailed players such as [Ashley] Du Preez, [Zitha] Kwinika,” he said.
“These were key players during that time when they had such a really good run of form.”
“They have now obviously introduced a couple of younger players. When that happens, we need to ensure that there is an adaptation period.
“That adaptation period, to get these youngsters used to playing in the Premiership. And for the confidence from a psycho-social perspective to grow.
“Because you can’t be bossed with two factors. The psychological side – the mental side – and the social side go hand in hand.”
Khan also believes that young SA players take time to mature to play in professional ranks compared to Europeans.
“Sometimes these young players are not fully prepared, especially in the South African context, for the step for the professional ranks.
“In Europe, they have a lot of mentorships, and obviously, you look at a European player at 18 or 19. And you speak to them, and you can clearly see that he is much more mature.”
NO ATTRACTION PULL IN THE TRANSFER MARKET
“The second one could obviously be the fact that they are not in a position to go out in the market. And buy players that we see from some of the bigger clubs, like Sundowns, Chiefs, Pirates, are able to acquire.
“So it makes things a little difficult for Steve Barker and his technical team to ensure that they are able to emulate last year’s performance.
“It was a good performance [Stellies last season’s performances], but I think over the weekend they had a good game in beating Cape Town City.”
“So he [Barker] will look to build onto that. There is still a lot of matches to be played. But it will be a case of them ensuring they don’t get pulled into the relegation zone,” concluded Khan.
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