Barker Optimistic About Cupido And Mojela Returns For Top-Three Push
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is hopeful that Ashley Cupido and Bradley Mojela will return to action before the end of the season, providing a significant boost to his side’s push for a third-place finish.
Mojela, who Stellies signed from TS Galaxy in the off-season following Iqraam Rayners’ move to Mamelodi Sundowns, has resumed training after being sidelined since October. The 28-year-old’s last appearance for the club was in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates in October.
He scored a stunning goal in that match but was substituted in the 74th minute, as Stellies ultimately lost the final 3-1 to Pirates. Mojela had been an outstanding performer for Stellenbosch this season, scoring six goals in nine appearances across all competitions.
Cupido, who Stellies acquired from Cape Town Spurs during the off-season, last played when Stellenbosch defeated AmaZulu early last month.
The 23-year-old has missed the last four matches in all competitions for Stellies, who have recently preferred either Khomotso Lekoloene or Andre de Jong in the central striking role. Cupido has featured in 37 matches across all competitions for Stellies, scoring five goals.
“I’m hopeful both will make an appearance before the end of the season,” Barker said after his team’s 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday.
“They are both back in training, although not in full training yet, but it looks positive that maybe the SuperSport United game [on 17 May], the second-to-last game of the season, they will be available for some short minutes.”
He added, “But we won’t force either of them to play if we don’t have to. We need to be patient, and hopefully, it will be like having two new signings for us towards the end of the season, especially in Bradley’s case because he has been out for a long time.”
Stellenbosch’s win against Arrows allowed them to keep pace with third-placed Sekhukhune United in the battle for the CAF Confederation Cup spot.
Barker’s team, who were narrowly defeated 1-0 on aggregate by Simba in the Confed Cup semi-final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last weekend, have accumulated 44 points after 25 matches, trailing Sekhukhune by a single point with a game in hand.
