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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Matsheke came through Chiefs' development ranks</li><li>After a promising start to his pro career, his fortunes waned</li><li>But he has picked himself up at Stellies</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Did Kaizer Chiefs make a blunder on Matsheke? Barker details what Amakhosi lost in defensive midfielder

The 24-year-old was released by Chiefs at the end of June 2023 and went for a number of months unattached as a free agent.But Stellenboch signed him in October to end the central midfielder's club hunt.He was brought in as a direct replacement for Sibongoseni Mthethwa who, interestingly, went the opposite way to join Amakhosi.

WHAT HAPPENED?

“His best position is the defensive midfielder as a six," Barker told<a href="https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/dstv-premiership/barker-hails-former-chiefs-talent/" target="_blank"> iDiski Times.</a>"We lost Mthethwa to Chiefs so we were a little bit thin in that area. We had Nduli, if Nduli had to get injured or not be available for an extended period of time that would put us under pressure.“So we signed Darrel. He trained with us once when we were in Joburg, we had a match-up there and he was looking for a team.“It didn’t take longer than eight, seven minutes and I said no we must sign him. He's got great attitude, he's got bite, he's got physicality, he likes to defend, he knows his role in the team and credit to him.“He had some big performances for us and again he just adds to the depth of the squad and competition for places. But ja, we very pleased to have a player like him.“He played at Chiefs, he played in Champions League, he played matches for them, so I think he is a real good player.”

WHAT BARKER SAID

Matsheke was being mentioned among Chiefs academy products who struggled to make the step up and take the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/psl/yv73ms6v1995b5wny16jcfi3" target="_blank">Premier Soccer League</a> by storm.He had a promising start to his professional career, making 12 appearances across all competitions during the 2020/21 season which was his debut top-flight league term.He was trusted by Gavin Hunt but his fortunes waned when the now-SuperSport United coach was fired, leading to some loan spells at Uthingathi and Moroka Swallows.But he seems to have picked himself up at Stellenbosch and was named Man of the Match after Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Cape Town Spurs.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chiefs have some stiff competition in central midfield where the coach has a number of players to select from.Those enjoying regular game time in that role are Edson Castillo, Yusuf Maart and Sibongiseni Mthethwa.Also available for consideration are Siyethemba Sithebe and Samkelo Zwane who appeared to be slowly claiming a regular spot in the team during the second half of last season.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Stellenbosch defensive linkman would want to continue with his five-star performances and prove to Chiefs that releasing him was a mistake.He could have the last laugh if he helps the Cape Winelands outfit to Carling Knockout glory as trophies continue to elude the Soweto giants.Stellenbosch face Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semi-final showdown on Saturday.

WHAT NEXT FOR MASTSHEKE?

Did Kaizer Chiefs make a blunder on Matsheke? Barker details what Amakhosi lost in defensive midfielder | Goal.com South Africa

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has waxed lyrical about Kaizer Chiefs reject Darrel Matsheke, hailing his signing as a big catch.