Steve Barker frustrated by slow player registrations

Stellies lost some key players in the off-season and had to bring in some fresh faces into their fold, but their lack of availability has left the coach having to do with what he’s got for both the MTN8 and Betway Premiership for the moment. 

Barker’s team lost their first 2025/26 league game 2-0 to Kaizer Chiefs this past weekend.

"It is frustrating I must say because two of our full backs that we've brought in are not yet finalised, it leaves Omega [Mdaka] and Kazie [Godwill] having to play quite a lot of minutes last week and this week and then again on Wednesday so we just have to be mindful of that especially with the semi-final coming up on Saturday,” Barker said. 

“We currently have four players that we are waiting upon, Henri Stanic, I believe he's got his work permit, he was just waiting for his ICT from his association so I trust he'll be available to get his card and registration on Monday. 

“Thapelo Mokobodi as well as Mthetheli Mthiyane, also hoping that they get their clearances, it's seems that there's been an issue with some of the teams not been with the tma system, which is delaying. 

“Once you have a local player for longer than a week, you should be able to register them. So, it's just been frustrating to get them over the line but it's important because of Wednesday, Saturday and obviously the following week."

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He also urged his players to be able to make an impact on games off the bench, highlighting that they don’t have a lot of time to get it right. 

Having already played in the league and cup in the month of August, Stellies will play six matches in the next 19 days across all competitions.

"It'll take a little bit of a while but obviously our challenging fixture list means that it can't take too long but I do think once Thapelo, Mthiyane as well as Henri are all available, I do believe that we do have enough to be able to affect games,” he added. 

“Off the bench I think we have that quality once a player like Bradley [Mojela] is up to full speed and the ability to bring him on and players like Lesiba Nku. Even Lakoloane [Khomotjo] has done well but it's difficult to bring on Major [Langelihle Phili] this evening, I think he can be a match winner for us going forward. 

“So, to answer your question directly I do believe but once again, it's finding our best balance and hopefully we can do that as quickly as possible."