Latest news with #SteveBarker
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Stellenbosch opt for high altitude to boost high hopes for 2025/26 Campaign
Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker is currently overseeing training in Johannesburg as his squad prepares for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Stellenbosch FC have embarked on a strategic pre-season training camp in Johannesburg — a move head coach Steve Barker believes is crucial to the club's success in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. As the new campaign draws closer, Barker is confident that training in Gauteng will provide the solid foundation required for Stellenbosch's ambitions. While several rivals, including Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, have opted for international pre-season tours, Stellies have chosen a local yet high-impact alternative. Speaking to Barker explained the reasoning behind the decision: altitude benefits, improved weather, and access to quality opposition. Steve Barker, Fawaaz Basadien, Thabo Moloisane, Tylon Smith, and our recently signed forward, Muzomuhle Khanyi, have all been nominated for PSL awards ⬇️ — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 16, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'We've decided to come up to Gauteng. Probably one of the main reasons is just good competition, varied competition, and to get some good match sharpness and match fitness, which will be good to integrate the new players into the squad,' he said. This approach highlights the club's commitment to intensive and practical preparation before their season opener. During their camp, Stellenbosch FC will play three friendly matches against local sides TS Galaxy, Siwelele FC, and JDR Stars. These fixtures will serve both as conditioning tools and tactical opportunities, giving players crucial minutes while allowing the technical team to assess readiness. 'Our main focus will be the three friendlies we will be playing against Galaxy, JDR and Siwelele. We want our players to get minutes under their belts,' Barker noted. The fixture details for the #MTN8 quarter-finals have been confirmed ⬇️ 🆚 AmaZulu FC 📅 Sunday, 3 August 2025 🕒 15h00 🏟️ DHL Stadium, Cape Town — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 17, 2025 The club is also using the camp to prepare for their upcoming MTN8 quarter-final clash against AmaZulu, set to take place in just two weeks. Environmental factors also played a key role in the decision to relocate pre-season to Johannesburg. With Cape Town experiencing wet winter conditions, the dry highveld weather offers more consistent training days and the added benefit of altitude adaptation. 'Obviously. the weather has been a little bit wet down in Cape Town, so we also came to get dry weather training and a little bit of altitude training,' Barker explained. Such conditions are expected to boost the team's physical conditioning ahead of what is likely to be a demanding and competitive season. All smiles ahead of today's session 😀 — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 16, 2025 Stellies have also been active in the transfer market. Among their new recruits are Muzomuhle Khanyi from Hungry Lions, Siviwe Nkwali from Cape Town Spurs, and Henri Stanic from Balzan FC in Malta. In addition, academy product Simthandile Sishi has been promoted from the Stellenbosch DStv Diski side. 'Overall, I am happy with the players who've joined us from other clubs. They're settling in nicely, and they show energy and enthusiasm,' said Barker. With a focus on nurturing homegrown talent and integrating new signings into a cohesive unit, Stellenbosch FC's preparation strategy reflects both ambition and long-term planning. As pre-season continues, attention will soon turn to competitive fixtures — where the true test of this structured build-up begins.
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Stellies snap up NFD top goalscorer
Khanyi says he is delighted to have joined Steve Barker's side. Stellenbosch FC have announced the acquisition of striker Muzomuhle Khanyi on a permanent deal. The 26-year-old joins the Maroons after a stellar season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship for Hungry Lions FC, where he ended the 2024/25 campaign as the National First Division leading goalscorer with 18 goals to his name. ALSO READ: Official: Pirates beat rivals Chiefs to Appollis' signature Khanyi says he is delighted to have joined Steve Barker's side, adding that he is at the Cape Winelands outfit to learn. 'It's an honour to join a club with the winning mentality of Stellenbosch FC,' Khanyi told Stellies media. 'It's one of the best decisions I have made in my career to join the club, and I already feel at home. 'I'm here to learn – I know it's going to be difficult because I'm new at the club and stepping up from the NFD – but I hope I can continue with the form I showed last season,' he added. Khanyi will wear the No. 15 jersey for Stellenbosch FC during the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Meanwhile, Stellies have confirmed the departure of defender Brian Onyango, following the expiry of his contract. READ MORE: Stellies release former Sundowns defender Onyango 'Everyone at Stellenbosch FC would like to thank Brian for his service to the club and wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his career,' read a statement from Stellies.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Cape Town City's PSL status still in balance after Stellenbosch FC derby draw
Haashim Domingo Cape Town City's Haashim Domingo battles away against Stellenbosch FC in the local derby at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Cape Town City's Premiership fate is no longer in their hands. They have run their race and finished on 27 points – one point above the relegation zone. But instead of celebrating after their goalless draw with Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape derby at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they will have to wait until the SuperSport United and Golden Arrows replay 45 minutes – effectively one half – of their abandoned clash due to loadshedding back in February. SuperSport United are a point behind City on 26 points after losing 2-0 to Richards Bay, but still have their get-out-of-jail card available after the PSL's ruling last week. Stellenbosch, meanwhile, have secured third place after Arrows beat Sekhukhune United 3-2, to ensure Steve Barker's team will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup again next season. Stellies reach the semi-finals of the continental competition in their first effort this season. City may yet rue not taking advantage of a host of opportunities in the Cape derby, with Gabriel Amato creating an early chance with a right-footed volley skimming the Stellenbosch crossbar. The Citizens' desperation was evident as they continued to pour forward in search of a much-needed goal. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Experienced midfielder Thulani Serero also found space on the edge of the box, rifling in a shot that forced a double save from Oscarine Masuluke. Central defender Lorenzo Gordinho also had an opportunity immediately after the halftime break when his glancing header nestled into the bread basket of the Stellies goalkeeper. But with City foraging forward, they also left themselves exposed at the back, and against a team with the quality that Stellenbosch possess, they were fortunate not to be punished. Stellies weathered the storm and began creating opportunities of their own, with striker Ashley Cupido working his way down the right touchline before sending in a good cross that found Andre de Jongh unmarked.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Cape Town City's PSL status still in the balance after derby stalemate with Stellenbosch FC
Cape Town City's Haashim Domingo battles away against Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape derby at DHL Stadium on Saturday. Picture: BackpagePix Cape Town City's Betway Premiership fate is no longer in their hands. They have run their race and finished on 27 points - one point above the relegation zone. But instead of celebrating after their goalless draw with Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape derby at the DHL Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they will have to wait until the SuperSport United and Golden Arrows replay 45 minutes - effectively one half - of their abandoned clash due to loadshedding back in February. SuperSport United are a point behind City on 26 points after losing 2-0 Richard Bay, but still have their get out of jail card available after the PSL's ruling last week. Stellenbosch, meanwhile, have secured third place after Arrows beat Sekhukhune United 3-2, to ensure Steve Barker's team will compete in the CAF Confederations Cup again next season. Stellies reach the semifinals of the continental competition in their first effort this season. City may yet rue not taking advantage of a host of opportunities in the Cape derby with Gabriel Amato creating an early chance with a right-footed volley skimming the Stellenbosch crossbar. The Citizens' desperation was evident as they continued to pour forward in search of a much-needed goal. Experienced midfielder Thulani Serero also found space on the edge of the box, rifling in a shot that forced a double save from Oscar Masululeke. Central defender Gordinho also had an opportunity immediately after the halftime break when his glancing header nestled into the bread basket of the Stellies goalkeeper. But with City foraging forward, they also left themselves exposed at the back, and against a team with the quality that Stellenbosch possess, they were fortunate not to be punished. Stellies weathered the storm and began creating opportunities of their own with striker Ashley Cupido working his way down the right touchline before sending in a good cross that found Andre de Jongh unmarked. The New Zealander headed powerfully in the direction of the City goal, but Darren Keet, who was playing in his 100th match, palmed the ball to safety. Stellenbosch particularly went on the offensive shortly before halftime when Sanele Barnes, Devon Titus and Fawaaz Basadien called Keet into action to make a flurry of saves to keep City's hopes of staying in the Betway Premiership alive. While City will be sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the conclusion of the Arrows-SuperSport United clash that will hopefully be scheduled for this week, Stellenbosch FC can look back at another hugely fulfilling season where they competed valiantly on all fronts. Barker's men reached a first-ever MTN8 final, enjoyed a brilliant CAF Confederation Cup adventure that ran all the way to the semifinals and secured third place in the Betway Premiership yet again.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
High-stakes Cape PSL derby: City fight for survival as Stellenbosch eye continental spot
Steve Barker Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker will hope his team can secure third position. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Cape Town City will host Stellenbosch FC in a derby that carries weighty consequences at both ends of the Premiership table. This eagerly anticipated clash at the Cape Town Stadium, the final league fixture of the 2024/25 season for both sides, comes with significant ramifications. Stellies are aiming to secure third place and a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup, while City are fighting to avoid the relegation play-offs. Stellenbosch go into the weekend on 47 points, three ahead of Sekhukhune United in fourth. A win will confirm their continental qualification, regardless of other results. On the opposite end, 15th-placed City sit on 26 points, just one behind Golden Arrows and SuperSport United, and must win while hoping Abafana Bes'thende and Matsatsantsa drop points to avoid the dreaded play-off spot. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Your votes were counted and your voices heard 🔥 Introducing your Rama Fans Player of the Season – Sihle Nduli 👏 — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 23, 2025 'When the fixture list came out right at the start of the season, I already anticipated that it would be a great way to end the campaign with a massive derby between the two clubs,' said Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker ahead of the clash. It's a match-up that has developed into one of the more competitive rivalries in the top-flight, but form and momentum lean heavily in favour of Barker's side. Stellenbosch have enjoyed another strong campaign, with 13 wins, eight draws and only six defeats. Their last outing was a 2-1 victory over SuperSport United, further highlighting their consistency in the business end of the season. They've now collected four wins from their last five games. Coach Diogo Peral's City, in contrast, have endured a largely frustrating season. A tally of 15 defeats and just seven wins tells the story of a side that lacked spark and struggled for goals, having scored just 15 times in 29 matches, while conceding 31. Their recent 2-0 away win over Polokwane City offered a lifeline, but it's still a case of needing a result – and a bit of help – on the final day. SuperSport United and Cape Town City fighting relegation is still a shock to me bro.#BetwayPrem — Sinethemba Mbatha (@SnezzyMbatha) May 20, 2025 City's home record has also offered little comfort this season. Their inconsistency at Cape Town Stadium has been one of their major weaknesses, while Stellies have travelled well, showing tactical discipline and attacking intent away from home. The head-to-head stats make for further grim reading if you're a City supporter. Stellenbosch are unbeaten in their last five meetings with their Cape rivals, including a comprehensive 3-0 win in the reverse fixture this season. City have managed only one draw in that period, with four defeats. Barker's side have shown a strong blend of structure and flair, and in a game of high stakes, that might prove decisive once again. For City, this is less about tactics and more about desire. It's their last chance to avoid a two-legged relegation play-offs stage that could define the club's immediate future. Saturday's derby might have been marked on the calendar for entertainment – but it now arrives as a final exam for both teams, with vastly different prizes on the line.
