Defender missed CAF tie after handing in transfer request
26 August 2024 - 17:38
by Neville Khoza
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Orlando Pirates and Ismaël Olivier Toure of Stellenboch FC Image: Christiaan Kotze
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has revealed star player Ismaël Touré has submitted a transfer request as he wants to play in Europe.
Touré didn’t feature for Stellies in their two-legged CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round against Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspur, where they won 8-0 on aggregate.
Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates are also believed to have shown interest in the Ivorian — one of the most outstanding center backs in the domestic league last season.
Speaking after they beat Nsingizini 5-0 in the second leg on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Barker said they have not received any offers yet.
“Touré, at this stage, is a difficult one. Hopefully, the European window closes at the end of August. He has ambitions, that’s where he desperately wants to go,” Barker said.
“At this stage, nothing has materialised and if the window does close, he will have to get on with things. But for now, we felt it was a type of opposition and a game that we didn’t need to add further stress at this stage.
“So, I’m sure by this time next week [Saturday], we will have a clear indication of the way forward.”
Meanwhile, Stellies will face AS Vita in the second preliminary round on September 13 at home and September 20 away and Barker expects the Congo side to test them.
“One of the giants on the continent, a big team and it will be a different challenge for us. To ease into the tournament like we have done does help, but I just need to remind the players that it is not going to be like this,” he said.
“They are coming here first. I just hope we can play in Cape Town and if we can’t we will come back here [Durban], I have to go and analyse them. They are playing two league matches before we play them.
“We will have to do some homework on them. They are a really strong team physically and I think if they play their game like they usually play on AstroTurf it will be something new for us.”
Lehlohonolo Mojela, Langelihle Phili, Andre de Jong, Omega Mdaka and Mervin Boji were all on target as Stellies confirmed their place in the second round.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Stellies wait to see if Touré gets European offer
Defender missed CAF tie after handing in transfer request
Image: Christiaan Kotze
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has revealed star player Ismaël Touré has submitted a transfer request as he wants to play in Europe.
Touré didn’t feature for Stellies in their two-legged CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round against Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspur, where they won 8-0 on aggregate.
Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates are also believed to have shown interest in the Ivorian — one of the most outstanding center backs in the domestic league last season.
Speaking after they beat Nsingizini 5-0 in the second leg on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Barker said they have not received any offers yet.
“Touré, at this stage, is a difficult one. Hopefully, the European window closes at the end of August. He has ambitions, that’s where he desperately wants to go,” Barker said.
“At this stage, nothing has materialised and if the window does close, he will have to get on with things. But for now, we felt it was a type of opposition and a game that we didn’t need to add further stress at this stage.
“So, I’m sure by this time next week [Saturday], we will have a clear indication of the way forward.”
Meanwhile, Stellies will face AS Vita in the second preliminary round on September 13 at home and September 20 away and Barker expects the Congo side to test them.
“One of the giants on the continent, a big team and it will be a different challenge for us. To ease into the tournament like we have done does help, but I just need to remind the players that it is not going to be like this,” he said.
“They are coming here first. I just hope we can play in Cape Town and if we can’t we will come back here [Durban], I have to go and analyse them. They are playing two league matches before we play them.
“We will have to do some homework on them. They are a really strong team physically and I think if they play their game like they usually play on AstroTurf it will be something new for us.”
Lehlohonolo Mojela, Langelihle Phili, Andre de Jong, Omega Mdaka and Mervin Boji were all on target as Stellies confirmed their place in the second round.
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