Gauteng trip gives us good and varied competition, explains Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker

As part of their preparations, Stellies will play three friendly games with TS Galaxy, Siwelele FC and JDR Stars.

While  Orlando Pirates have whisked their players off to Spain and Kaizer Chiefs are in the Netherlands for their pre-season programme, Barker felt that a trip to Gauteng would provide his side with a good base to build on for their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign.

He said in the Sowetan: "We've decided to come up to Gauteng. Probably one of the main reasons is just good competition, varied competition and to get some good match sharpness and match fitness, which will be good to integrate the new players into the squad."

Barker has been hard at work assembling his squad for the new campaign that kicks off with a MTN8 clash with AmaZulu.

"Obviously the weather has been a little bit wet down in Cape Town, so we also came to get sort of dry weather training and a little bit of some altitude training," added the experienced mentor.

"Our main focus will be the three friendlies we will be playing against Galaxy, JDR and Siwelele, so we want our players to get minutes under their belts. We're two weeks away from the MTN8 quarter-final match against AmaZulu."

Stellies' new signings include Muzomuhle Khanyi (Hungry Lions), Siviwe Nkwali (Cape Town Spurs). Henri Stanic (Balzan FC). Simthandile Sishi was, meanwhile, promoted from the Stellenbosch DStv Diski team.

“Overall, I am happy with the players who've joined us from other clubs. They're settling in nicely, [and] they show energy and enthusiasm. I'm very pleased with the last three weeks that we've got back from the off-season," Barker said.