Steve Barker raves about Kaizer Chiefs graduate who is seemingly replacing Mamelodi Sundowns' Fawaaz Basadien - 'He’s ready to put his hand up'

For several years now, Premier Soccer League side Stellenbosch have been selling their star players nd grooming others to replace them. 

In the ongoing transfer window, Stellies confirmed the exit of their captain, Fawaaz Basadien, to defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

The versatile left-back played a vital role in helping the team reach the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final and finish third in the 2024/25 PSL log.

Omega Mdaka joined Stellenbosch from the Kaizer Chiefs' reserve team in the 2023/24 season, but did not get many chances.

However, he has played four games this season across all competitions, delivering quality displays at left-back.

He was rewarded with the Man of the Match Award on Saturday as his team beat Sekhukhune United in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final.

Have a look at what Barker feels about the player.

“Hence, a season ago, Omega got signed and brought into the squad, and he had to buy his time," he told the media.

"He didn’t play many minutes last season, but he trained every day with the team, getting his 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 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 ready to put his hand up and is doing well," Barker concluded.

The next assignment for Stellenbosch will be against Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League game scheduled for Wednesday.

That will be another massive challenge for the 21-year-old and another day to prove his doubters wrong.