Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says the club’s philosophy of integrating academy graduates with senior players is inspired by the work done at SuperSport United and Cape Town Spurs.
Placed fourth on the DStv Premiership table, Stellenbosch have enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 season, which was capped by clinching the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup in December 2023.
They have done so without relying on big signings but by using a calculated strategy of promoting from their academy.
Jayden Adams (22), Antonio van Wyk (21), Athenkosi Mcaba (22), Dean Van Rooyen (27) and Devin Titus (23) are some of the players who are making waves in the top-flight having been promoted from the junior ranks.
Ahead of facing SuperSport in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals, Barker says he admires the work done by the Pretoria based side when it comes to giving opportunities to younger players.
“I think that’s why our encounters are tight, they have some good seasoned senior players, so do we, they have some good young players, so we do,” Barker said about the similarities to SuperSport United,” Barker explained.
“Their structures, and youth system are known in South Africa to have produced many top talented footballers, so we’re on that path. We’re trying to emulate the Ajax’s of the past and SuperSport in producing young players.
“I think that’s why our games are so tough and close with SuperSport, as you say there’s a lot of similarities,” Barker told the media.
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When asked about the future of Adams who has been linked to Sundowns, Barker said the time is not right to comment about the player’s possible departure.
Adams was a part of the Bafana Bafana squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I don’t think it’s the right time [comment on Adams future] we have to concentrate on what we need to do in the short-term which is to have a solid season.
“Players like Jayden are important to us and we need him to be focused, be with us, be present until the end of the season and then we’ll see what happens,” Barker clarified.
