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Johann Rupert's investment in Stellenbosch FC is more than just money, creates opportunities in Cape Winelands region

Absa Premiership outfit Stellenbosch FC have the richest club boss in billionaire businessman Johan Rupert, whose influence is being felt in the Cape Winelands region.

Although it may seem the billionaire businessman, who is valued at an estimated $5.5-billion (R81.35bn), is not investing directly in quality players, the club's coach disagrees that he is not doing enough for the top-flight newcomers.

According to Steve Barker, spending big money doesn't guarantee you success in football and Rupert's investment has been felt in all other areas of the club.

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"I've got no comment on that [not buying big players], he's obviously invested in this football club," Barker tells snl24.com/kickoff, before revealing the real benefits of Rupert's involvement.

"The club is adding huge value to the Cape Winelands region. It's creating opportunity, it's creating dreams that can come through for the kids in the Winelands who want to play professional football," he explains.

"There's never been a professional team in that environment so you know he's doing a great deal for the children up here.

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"Money doesn't buy you success, it's something that you want to build for the long term. If you want sustainable success, one has to be realistic. So we are building a project and going forward.

"I'm sure this club will be a successful club in South African football. That's one of our strategic objectives, we want to be a largely homegrown team and secondly, we want to add value to the community, and I do believe that we are achieving that."

Despite their modest playing squad, Stellies managed to shock Soweto giants Orlando Pirates with a 1-0 victory on Saturday as Iqraam Rayners punished a defensive mistake to decide the game.

READ: Barker salutes Stellies striking duo

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