Barker Confident Adams Will Not Be Sold
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is anxiously pacing, hoping to retain midfielder Jayden Adams before the transfer window closes on 20 September.
The impending deadline is causing Barker significant stress, as he firmly believes that Adams, a key player and Bafana Bafana squad member, is essential to the team. The midfielder has attracted considerable interest from the three top PSL clubs: Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates.
Barker has already experienced the pain of losing several players, including Antonio van Wyk to SV Ried, Deano van Rooyen to Pirates, and Iqraam Rayners to Sundowns. He acknowledged that Rayners’ departure was likely due to a clause in his contract, which allowed him to move locally or to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Anicet Oura was loaned out to Muaither SC in Qatar. Barker commented, “We knew it might be difficult to keep Iqraam given his achievements at the club.”
Regarding the transfer window, Barker stated, “The South African window is tough, it is lasting long,” said Barker.
“It goes to until the 20th of September but right now, as our CEO Rob Benadie has been saying, we are not in the position to be losing our star players because we also have our ambitions.
“In Jayden’s case, I’m confident that he will be here.”
Barker has also faced interest in defender Fawaaz Basadien from Chiefs, who submitted an offer that was deemed insufficient. This has led to a cooling of the situation, providing some relief to the coach.
Adams, a talented 23-year-old midfielder, played a crucial role in Stellies’ third-place finish and Carling Knockout trophy win last season. He has already scored a goal in the MTN8 this season, contributing to the team’s impressive run to the final against Orlando Pirates.
Despite losing key players, Stellies’ young squad has continued to perform well, reaching the MTN8 final after defeating Sundowns in both semifinals. The team will face cup kings Pirates on 5 October at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Before the MTN8 final, Barker’s men will resume their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against AS Vita Club on Friday at DHL Stadium (19:00).
