Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has spoken out about the growing injury list affecting his side, with the Cape Winelands outfit currently undergoing a period of significant dip in form in the Betway Premiership.

Stellies suffered a defeat at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs in their last league outing on Friday, going down to a Glody Lilepo solitary goal on home soil. The result saw Amakhosi complete the double over Barker’s men after claiming a 2-1 win at FNB Stadium last month.

The CAF Confederations Cup debutants have registered one win in their last five league matches, courtesy of a 5-0 thumping of AmaZulu. Moreover, they had to come from a goal down against Kruger United to book their spot in the last-16 of the Nedbank Cup.

Barker, who has been in charge of the club since the 2017/18 season, has made an honest admission about the frustration that comes with doing without the reliable services of his key players with games coming thick and fast.

“It’s frustrating when you don’t have [Fawaaz] Basadien, who was suspended [against Chiefs], you have Sanele Barns, who has only recovered from an illness and just started training,” said the 57-year-old tactician.

“This week we’re without Thato [Khiba], [Lehlohonolo] Mojela, [Godswill] Kazie. When you have your starting fullbacks and wide players unavailable – [Khomotjo] Lekoalane also suffered a little bit of illness together with Barns and he slowly got back.

“So, when you got five or six players of their ability and caliber not available, it’s very frustrating. I didn’t even mention Ashley Cupido, who picked up a knee injury, it’s frustrating when you have key players that you have brought in, and they aren’t available.”

While the absentees are slowing down their progress, Barker is impressed by the performances of the youngsters who had to step up and insists they don’t regret selling their key players despite the ongoing injury crisis.

“This is quite a young squad, [Langelihle] Phili is getting his minutes and he’s starting to show [quality] and I think he’s slowly being a bit more effective. Both our right backs in terms of Kazie, we brought in Shaakir [Ahmed] and also a long-term injury – he’s out with a knee operation,” he added.

“So, when you have that many players [out injured], you have to shuffle the pack a little bit, but I’m never one to [complain]. I told the players we are going to have injuries and it’s going to be their responsibility to take their opportunity when given the chance.

“I don’t think it’s [selling key players] creeping in, we have always been able, and we will continue. I will sit down at the end of the season, and it will be a successful season, I have no doubts but right now it’s about getting through this period.” 

Stellenbosch will host Polokwane City at Danie Craven Stadium on Thursday as they aim to reach the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup before trying to improve on their ninth-placed standing in the league with a visit to TS Galaxy at Mbombela.