Barker Breaks Silence On Gabuza Links

Stellenbosch FC are closing in on the signing of Thamsanqa Gabuza from SuperSport United, and could possibly sign another player from Gavin Hunt’s team.

Last week, iDiski Times broke the news that Stellies and SuperSport are “in talks” over a potential January deal for the 35-year-old, whose contract with Matsatsantsa is running out in June.

On Tuesday, Stellies coach Steve Barker confirmed that he is hopeful to complete a deal for Gabuza in the next twenty-four hours.

“Yes, with both players I’m hoping that before the window is done, that there is a possibility [to sign them],” he said, as his side prepare for Friday’s Cape derby.

“Right now it hasn’t been finalised on Gabuza, I’m hoping that by the end of work today we’ll have a decision.”

Barker also confirmed that the club are considering bringing Iqraam Rayners back to the Winelands, if they are able to reach an agreement with SuperSport.

“And on the other player [Rayners], it’s also just really a bit of speculation right now,” he added.

“He is a player that was dear to us and obviously our top goalscorer, he helped to get us promoted and he’d add massive value player to the club.

“But right now, he’s a SuperSport player, he’s still at SuperSport, so I don’t want to speculate too much on that.”

Rayners joined SuperSport back in 2020, after spending three seasons with Stellies, where helped the club gain promotion to the DStv Premiership.

While the 27-year-old has featured 13 times this season, he has only started three games under Hunt but he currently has the most assists in the DStv Premiership with five.

Meanwhile, Stellennbosch will hope to end their 9-match winless run in Friday’s Cape derby against Cape Town City after slipping down to 15th on the log.