What the Siya crew has been told…
The latest news reaching this publication is that Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are the three clubs sniffing around in the Winelands… and no, it’s not Stellenbosch’s impeccable wine they’re after!
Rather, it is the roster of players at coach Steve Barker’s disposal that has managed to grab the attention of the so-called Big Three, who are looking to strengthen their own squads.
In the last three seasons, Amakhosi and the Brazilians, in particular, have pried Stellies’ best talent. The likes of Ashley Du Preez, Zitha Kwinika and Sibongiseni Mthethwa have switched their allegiance to Naturena. Meanwhile, Junior Mendieta has exchanged Maroon for Downs’ Yellow and Blue, where he has already lifted a trophy in the form of the African Football League.
Now, insiders have revealed that the likes of Deano Van Rooyen, Sage Stephens, Jayden Adams, Fawaaz Basadien, Iqraam Rayners and Thabo Maloisane have all attracted interest from the well-supported sides!
The six players have unsurprisingly been Stellenbosch FC’s best players so far this season, playing a crucial role in guiding the club to their maiden topflight trophy, the Carling Knockout. And now, their performances have caught the attention of their Gauteng counterparts.
The Glamour Boys, the Siya crew understands, are believed to keen on Stephens, Rayners, Maloisane, Basadien, Antonio Van Wyk and Adams.
According to insiders, Sundowns, who have changed their recruitment system to keep up with the demands of their rigorous schedule, are believed to be keen on Basadien and Adams.
According to the information made available to the Siya crew, Bucs, meanwhile, have earmarked Maloisane, Van Rooyen as well as Adams.
Stellies, to their credit, have been astute in the way they conduct their business when it comes to transfers and have parted ways with players at the right time, for the right price, and knowing that they have a replacement in mind to continue their impressive growth in the topflight.
Insiders have confirmed that the club is are not intent on losing their best players for free either. To momentarily deflect interest, they have offered the likes of Adams and Devon Titus new contracts, while they have exercised the option on that of Basadien.
Soccer Laduma reported late last year that talks were ongoing over a new deal for Stephens, while Van Rooyen and Rayners are tied down to long-term contracts.