Why Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker will not freeze out wantaway Bafana Bafana defender courted by Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates - ‘He has been a loyal servant for many years’

Thabo Moloisane has been a key player at Stellenbosch for the last two seasons, always giving his best for the club.

In the 2024/25 season, the 26-year-old played 46 games across all competitions with a return of three goals and two assists despite being a central defender.

It explains why he has been linked to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, as well as other top clubs.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos gave Moloisane a chance in the last international window against Tanzania and Mozambique, respectively.

Stellenbosch wants to keep him, but Moloisane has already set his sights elsewhere in the bid to hit even greater heights away from the club.

Coach Steve Barker concedes it hurts to see him leave, but has insisted he will not stop him from a new challenge, promising to give him enough play time.

“I don't believe how teams can phase players out; [Moloisane] has been a loyal servant for many years and he's going to give us one more year of everything he has,” the tactician said as quoted by Sowetan. 

“He's grateful to the club that took him from a relegated Maritzburg [United], helped him get his career back on track, such that today he's in the Bafana Bafana squad. 

"So, Thabo wants to finish strong with us ... he wants to leave a legacy, leave us winning more trophies. There's no way that I can phase out a player that is as valuable as Thabo," Barker concluded. 

Moloisane has a chance of making the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad, but he will have to show his consistency across all competitions.

Chiefs and Pirates can now work their way in, trying to convince the player to join their team once he leaves Stellies.