Stellenbosch FC have added a Mexican flavour to their squad with the signing of Mexican midfielder Diego Franco as they continue to build their squad ahead of their first season in the Absa Premiership.
The NFD champions are also looking at adding more experience to the squad with Morgan Gould, Marc Van Heerden and Kris Bergman all training with the team currently, and looking likely to sign.
Stellenbosch Coach Steve Barker says he’s pleased to have on board Franco, who played for AmaTuks last season. He has joked that Stellenbosch has one of the most diverse squads in the league now.
Having already signed Dutch goalkeeper Boy De Jong, and the signings of Gould, Van Heerden and Bergman likely, Barker says he is only really now looking to possibly add a wide player or two.
Barker says he is pleased to have started his pre-season almost three weeks ago, as it has allowed him to virtually finalise his squad and build a good foundation.
Barker has also brought in former Tuks Coach Evangelos Vellios as the new reserve team coach, while Pernell McKop joins as goalkeeper coach, and Dale Solomon has joined as data analyst.
Meanwhile, Angelo Kerspuy, who was part of last season’s squad, has retired and will move behind the scenes. Barker is pleased to keep the Stellenbosch-born player involved with the club.
Stellenbosch will continue their preseason next week with a short camp in Caledon, before playing friendlies against fellow PSL teams Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United, amongst others.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Stellenbosch’s opening league game against Chippa United, which was scheduled to be played at Coetzenburg Stadium, has now been swapped around due to stadium logistics, and Stellenbosch will now play Chippa away in the opening Absa Premiership fixture. – Report by Rob Delport
