Stellenbosch to look to marketplace to plug missing holes

Stellenbosch will be moving to sign new players to replace the departed Iqraam Rayners and Dean van Rooyen, coach Steve Barker said at the weekend.

Striker Rayners moved to Mamelodi Sundowns and skippeer Van Rooyen to Orlando Pirates in a major blow for Barker’s plans to turn his side into a title challenging side.

But the coach said the club were planning to find replacements.

“Look, the transfer windows is not closed. We have to strengthen, which we will, so we do have targets that we are working on, and hopefully we can get some of them over the line,” Barker said after his side beat Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini 3-0 in their African Confederation Cup first round, first leg tie in Durban on Saturday.

“It would be unwise of us not to. We've lost a really good right back. We are thin in that position, so it's important.”

Kyle Jurgens has been Van Rooyen’s replacement in their last two matches but Barker says this is only a temporary solution.

“Kyle is going to be a really top footballer in our country, but he's best as a central midfielder, but obviously his versatility has helped us, not only now, but in previous seasons, but ultimately, we want him to be competing with Sihle Nduli for that sort of holding midfield role. Therefore a right back is a priority for us,” the coach added.

Barker praised his players’ ability to adapt after losing their captain and last season’s top scorer.

“One of our key success factors as a football club is our resilience, meaning the ability to bounce back after setback.

“So you know, losing key players like Imran and Dean van Rooyen is never easy, but at the same time, it provides opportunity for others. We've got a good group of young, talented footballers that just want to enjoy and play football and be successful.

“So great response from the players. You know, life goes on and we've got to find different ways now without the players to still win football matches. We've started with TS Galaxy, got ourselves into a (MTN8) semifinal, and now, we are one step closer to the next preliminary round (in the African Confederation Cup),” he said.