Stellenbosch United coach Steve Barker is proud of Thabo Moloisane getting his first national team call-up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Following his impressive and outstanding performance, the 26-year-old will be part of the squad that will play Lesotho on 21 March at Peter Mokaba Stadium and Benin on 25 March at Abidjan. 

“I’m proud of Thabo, he’s a real professional, works hard, gets on with his work; sometimes center backs don’t always get noticed for what they do,” said Barker after his side beat Sekhukhune United 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday. 

“But he defends very well, and he’s good on the ball, so he works hard, and he was looking to this opportunity, so I’m pleased for him.”

“I’m sure he’ll add a big value to the Bafana team.” 

Barker expressed his satisfaction with the team’s current standings this season. He thinks it has been a good season for them but now looking forward to finishing strong. 

After finishing as MTN8 finalists, losing to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal, and looking to face Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal, Stellenbosch had an incredible run this season. The win over Sekhukhune saw them reclaim the third spot in the Betway Premiership with 35 points after 21 matches. 

“I think sort of season targets were again, can we emulate last season? Can we get back into Africa? So currently we’re in those positions; we’ve been in the final of this season in the MTN8 and two quarter-finals, and the third one to look forward to,” said Barker.  

“I think it has been a good season for us, now the important part is to pull it through and see it through and finish strong. So if we can do that, then it can turn out to be a great season.”

Article by Kamogelo Ndlovu