After losing the likes of Junior Mendieta to Mamelodi Sundowns and Sibongiseni Mthethwa, head coach Steve Barker has unveiled the club’s latest plan to keep hold of their star players.
Over the course of the past two season, Stellies have had to part ways with some of their best players including Ashely du Preez, Zitha Kwinika and more recently Mendieta and Mthethwa.
Despite losing their key players, Barker’s side have defied the odds and progressed to the final of the Carling Knockout where they meet TS Galaxy.
The Winelands-based side defeated AmaZulu 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
READ | Stellies through to first-ever cup final
This is the first final Stellies find themselves in, having lost out in the semi-final of the Nedbank and the MTN.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Barker revealed that an important element behind the club's cup run is the club’s is the emphasis on keeping its' core players.
"We create opportunity, we don’t buy it," said Barker.
"We’re starting to see the rewards of investing in young players and giving young players an opportunity. I think we’re laying a really good foundation and it can be seen with players who have gone, but we still have an ability to be competitive."
Richards Bay 0??-3?? StellenboschAntonio van Wyk rounds off the scoring as Stellies march to the #CarlingKnockout final ? pic.twitter.com/iPd0o908AB
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) December 2, 2023
Stellies sent a signal of intent earlier this week, announcing that Jayden Adams, who recently received huis Bafana Bafana call-up, and Devin Titus, have both been given new long-term contracts with the club.
"There is now a core group of players that the club needs to keep if we want to be successful. Players like Jayden Adams and Titus. Hopefully they’re committed to the club and want to be here for a long term as they’ve shown by signing long contracts," added Barker.
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"If we show we can win trophies and we show we can compete at the top end of the table, then there’s no reason for players to want to leave. Why would you want to go to a bigger club that is not challenging and winning things?
"So hopefully by being successful and doing what we’re doing, this is where players would want to be. It’s important we keep our core of players who have come through the ranks."
Next for Stellies, is a DStv Premiership clash against Cape Town City to be played at Danie Craven Stadium on Friday, 19:30.
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