Poor Stellies! Pirates to snatch another star? Barker responds

The towering Ivorian Ismael Toure has been consistent for Stellies which has seen some teams enquire about his availability. 

In the ongoing Premier Soccer League transfer window, Stellenbosch have lost two key players already.

Orlando Pirates snapped up captain Deano Van Rooyen who has been vital for the Stellies while Mamelodi Sundowns signed striker Iqraam Rayners. 

Other players who have left the Carling Knockout champions are Juan Carlos Ortíz, Reid Bombay, Keegan Pool, Solomon Letsoenyo, Solly Khunyedi, Lance Weaver, Glen Hahn, Salifu Colley, Nhlanhla Mgaga and Qobolwakhe Sibande.

Pirates set to sign Toure? Barker responds

Defender Ismael Toure is another key player who has been heavily linked to the Soweto giants in the next couple of days.

However, coach Steve Barker is not ready to lose another key figure, “There have been offers forthcoming but there’s no truth in that [Toure] rumour,” he told Radio2000.

“Toure came to us with a dream to play in Europe so that would be the call, there is some interest from Europe growing for him, and that we would consider. I doubt that any local options would be taken up.”

Why Stellies need quality players this season

Stellenbosch have responded by signing Sanele Barns from Richards Bay, Omega Mdaka who was initially with Kaizer Chiefs, and TS Galaxy’s Lehlohonela Mojela.

After their third-place finish in the Premier Soccer League, Stellies are determined to deliver in the Caf Confederation Cup. They won the first leg of the first preliminary round 3-0 against Nsingizini Hotspurs, meaning they are close to sealing the next stage. 

The team is also in the semi-final of the MTN8 and will be aiming at successfully defending the Carling Knockout as well as delivering in the Nedbank Cup.

With all those competitions coming, Barker is definitely desperate to have a competitive squad which might see him reluctant to let more key players leave.