Stellenbosch add left-back to first team squad

Stellenbosch FC have named another of their MultiChoice Diski Challenge players in the first team squad to travel to the Gauteng bio-bubble and complete the Absa Premiership season.

Left-back Jamie Craak, who was previously on the books of BidVest Wits, will be given the chance to stake his claim for a starting place next season as Barker looks to add numbers to a thin squad for their remaining six games.

The 21-year-old has been a stand-out performer in the MDC side this season and could get a run at some stage with Stellies due to play six matches in 20 days.

He is the third junior added to the first team after goalkeeper Lebohang Nthene, a replacement for Dutch gloveman Boy de Jongh who left the team at the start of lockdown.

Attacking midfielder Jayden Adams will also be given a chance with star forward Iqraam Rayners having already been released to SuperSport United for the start of next season.

The team are first in action against Lamontville Golden Arrows on 15 August, and will be pushing for a top-eight place, though wary of the relegation dogfight behind them as well.

Stellies will be using the Tuks Stadium as their home, with four of the six matches at that venue.

It is a ground that coach Steve Barker knows all too well after many years spent there while in charge of the University of Pretoria.