Barker: Khiba Could Have Joined With Mojela But…
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has revealed that they sought to sign Thato Khiba from TS Galaxy at the beginning of the season, alongside Bradley Mojela.
However, while the Mojela deal was finalized (although the player is facing a lengthy injury layoff), the Khiba transfer fell through.
Following the loss of Jayden Adams to Mamelodi Sundowns during the January transfer window, coach Barker revisited the Khiba deal.
The young and dynamic midfielder was immediately inserted into the starting lineup, despite having only one training session with the team, as they convincingly defeated AmaZulu 5-0 in the Betway Premiership match at King Zwelithini Stadium on Thursday.
“Thato is a player that we wanted at the beginning of the season,” said Barker.
“It almost happened and it is just that in the last minute unfortunately one or two things didn’t work out.
“But it is a player that we admired, always wanted to have at the club for a while now. We know his capabilities as a footballer and we just felt that we decided that let’s give him an opportunity because it is not like he hasn’t been playing.
“I felt he did really well. He hasn’t played as a right back for a while now. So, to have done what we did in that position and also finish the game before he came to the midfield, it was just credit what he is capable of doing.
“We believe that he is talented footballer which will add to our squad. He really showed with his first appearance and that was also after one training session because we were away and he arrived on Friday.
“We only saw him basically at the airport. Some of our players were looking around wondering who is the new player on the plane.”
The resounding victory propelled Stellenbosch to seventh place in the Betway Premiership table, with 19 points from 12 matches. They are now level on points with Golden Arrows, who have slipped to eighth position.
Stellenbosch will have a brief respite before their next fixture, the Nedbank Cup round of 32 against Kruger United at Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday at 19:00.
