Former Marumo Gallants coach Dylan Kerr has pointed to the dual
challenge of CAF competitions and player sales as the root of Stellenbosch
FC’s current struggles. Stellies find themselves in the relegation zone
after a 2-0 midweek defeat, their seventh loss in 12 Betway Premiership
matches.
Drawing parallels to his own experience with Gallants—who were relegated in
the same season they reached the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals—Kerr
explained the immense strain of continental travel.
“I’ve experienced it… it does wear you down,” Kerr told PSLSA. He
emphasized that while Stellenbosch is a well-established club in CAF
competitions, the constant sale of key players like Sihle Nduli, Fawaaz
Basadien, and Ismael Toure has created a difficult cycle for coach Steve
Barker.
“They’ve always had to sell their best players year in, year out,” Kerr
stated. “Replacing them is difficult… You can’t keep selling players and
not replacing them. You always have to have a big squad for CAF.”
When asked if clubs might start de-prioritizing CAF competitions to focus on
domestic survival, Kerr acknowledged the dilemma but affirmed the prestige
of continental football.
“As a coach and for the club, it’s fantastic because it shows how well
you’re doing,” he said. However, he highlighted that the players bear the
responsibility to perform despite the travel demands, a challenge he knows
all too well from his time with a less-resourced club.
“At Marumo, we had to sleep in airports… because the preparations were not
that good due to financial challenges,” Kerr recalled. “But Stellenbosch are
a big club, they’ve got the money, these things should not be a problem.”
Ultimately, Kerr expressed hope that the club’s leadership would remain
patient with Barker, who has “done such a good job for Stellenbosch,” and
allow him the time to turn their fortunes around.
