Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has addressed speculation regarding whether young midfielder Chumani Butsaka was brought on board to replace Jayden Adams.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder, Adams was heavily linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns during the past transfer window.
Stellies reportedly rejected two late offers from Sundowns for the 23-year-old, demonstrating their commitment to retaining him.
Butsaka, on the other hand, joined the Cape Winelands side at the beginning of the season from their provincial rivals Cape Town Spurs.
Barker says he has been the long admirer of Butsaka from the player’s junior days. He expressed his long-standing desire to have the former Urban Warriors captain on his team.
While Barker admitted that Adams was close to departing Stellenbosch, he emphasised that Butsaka’s signing was not intended to replace him.
He stated that their goal is to have a strong pool of quality players in all areas.
BARKER – THE IDEA BEHIND SIGNING CHUMANI BUTSAKA
“It wasn’t the case, I’ve been the long admirer of Chumani, I’ve seen him grow up even in the NFD days,” said Adams.
“He was still a youngster coming through the Spurs academy. We played a lot of friendlies against them.
“We watched him, I’ve always been an admirer of him and always wanted him to be at our club.
“But obviously he was also in the PSL. So, it wasn’t easy at that stage. Obviously, when they got relegated it did open a door to perhaps bring him in.
“So, the idea was always to have as many quality players as we can have. And you could see today that it was needed.
“So, that ability to bring on Jayden after Chumani started I think it’s key for us. So, he wasn’t brought in with that in mind but we’re very happy with his contribution and what he’s done and what he will do for the club.”
RELATED STORY: Steve Barker on Jayden Adams situation at Bafana
