No Basadien, no problem, says Stever Barker after Omega Mdaka shines for Stellenbosch FC

AFTER a transfer season that saw another round of headline departures with Sihle Nduli and Fawaaz Basadien, the spine of Stellenbosch FC last season, departing for Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively, the mood surrounding the Winelands club was a muted one heading into the new campaign.

Supporters were becoming increasingly frustrated at chief executive Rob Benadie, owing to a perceived lack of ambition, especially after the team had finished third for the second consecutive season in the Betway Premiership and achieved a historic Caf Confederation Cup semifinal place at its first attempt. 

But yet here we are again, and Stellies have one foot in the MTN8 final - what would also be for the second successive season - after downing Eric Tinkler’s Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the first-leg semifinal at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday evening. 

It was not just the emphatic nature of the performance that confounded the critics, but rather the way previous fringe players have stepped up to fill the breach left by the departing stars.

None more so than 20-year-old left back Omega Mdaka. The Kaizer Chiefs Academy graduate has seamlessly filled the gaping Basadien hole with aplomb down the left touchline. 

Mdaka was highly impressive on the opening day of the season against his former club at Athlone Stadium before his inexperience showed in giving away a last-minute penalty when he brought down Ashley du Preez. 

But the youngster bounced back from that disappointment with an assured display against Sekhukhune United to claim the Player of the Match award.

Barker believes Mdaka’s performances have not come by chance with Stellenbosch’s famed succession plan having been put in place a season ago already. 

“I do think you do recognise certain players like Fawaaz that there would be interest. There was interest not only locally but also from North Africa and hence a season ago, Omega got signed and brought into the squad and he had to bide his time,” Barker said.

“He didn't play many minutes last season but training every day with the team, you know, getting his fair share here and there of minutes when Fawaaz was maybe injured or needed to be rested. 

“I think it's now his time to come and I think that's maybe what we do well is anticipate what may happen going forward and then in the meantime start grooming the next player or two to then be the next one to step up. 

“So, again, just happy for Omega and he's really putting his hand up and doing well.”

Equally, Lesiba Nku’s inspirational performance off the bench after replacing the injured Ashley Cupido after just seven minutes would have warmed up the Stellies’ fans on a cold Cape winter’s night in the winelands. 

Nku played a pivotal role in both Stellies’ goals, providing assists from the corner flag and a delightful outside foot through ball that put Devin Titus clear on goal. 

“Obviously happy with what Lesiba has done. He has been a bit unlucky not to start more matches,” Barker said.

“In fact, had the pitch been a lot more playable, we would have probably gone on a 4-2-3-1 but it was a late call when we saw the rain overnight and during the day and the pitch and then we decided to go with a three-man midfield with Ibrahim Jabaar coming in. It's a type of match where I thought he would be really effective. 

“So Lesiba got his opportunity and just before he went on I reminded him that he's a star player and a quality player and he's got the X-factor. He does certain things that are of a higher level and I think the pass that he gave for the goal showed that.”