Steve Barker, who has led Stellenbosch FC to new heights, says it will be more difficult for clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns to get players from his club. Stellenbosch currently sit second on the DSTV Premiership log and will be playing in CAF Interclub competition next season.
“The better you become as a football club, winning cups and coming second, their value goes from there to there. Clubs are going to want to come for our players. I don’t think it’s going to be as easy as it was in the past,” Barker told a post-match briefing after a 1-0 loss to Sundowns.
Media speculation has put young Jayden Adams as one of Mamelodi Sundowns’ off-season targets. Downs coach, Rulani Mokwena could not give an answer on whether the league champions will be signing Adams.
“I cannot give you a definite yes or no answer before I have submitted my technical report,” Mokwena reasoned.
Steve Barker actually believes Adams should rather be joining a European club.
“Jayden has got ambitions to play in Europe. He is at an age where going to Europe would better in his interests so I would advise him to rather consider that than local,” explained Barker.
Former Sundowns chairman Patrice Motsepe has long said local clubs should be competing with European clubs on transfer fees. Barker sees differently in the case of Jayden Adams.
“You don’t want him going to Sundowns and ending up playing 13, 14 league games in a season,” stressed Barker.
Barker is confident Stellenbosch will retain its high-flying squad next season. The higher value of the players who now have a cup and will soon be playing continental football make it more difficult for other clubs to get Stellies stock now.
According to Steve Barker, noone is for sale at the moment at Stellenbosch FC.