Steve Barker believes Stellenbosch FC are starting to reap the rewards from the trust the club has placed in younger players over the last few years.

Stellenbosch FC recorded a comprehensive 3-0 DStv Premiership win over TS Galaxy on Wednesday during a match in which seven graduates from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side featured.

Match report – Dominant Stellies record victory over TS Galaxy

Devin Titus (22) and Antonio van Wyk (21), both of whom have made their 50th appearances for the club in recent weeks, were among the goalscorers on the night, while Jayden Adams (22) and Qobolwakhe Sibande (23) were equally impressive.

For head coach Steve Barker, Wednesday’s result was another sign that the club’s investment and faith in youth was starting to pay off and he was quick to laud his young players’ performance.

“They are all coming in and improving,” Barker said. “People like Devin Titus, Jayden Adams, and Antonio van Wyk are now seasoned PSL players who started with our DDC team, and Qobolwakhe Sibande is also starting to get an extended run.

Barker: Wednesday’s win was one of our best performances

“There are also players like Mervin Boji, Kyle Jurgens, and Liam De Kock, and it’s no fluke that we won the [reserve] league with that group of players, who also won the Premier League Next Gen Cup overseas. Now we can see why because there’s some really good quality coming through from that batch of players.

“Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of patience and perseverance. I’ve always said in the past that sometimes there is risk with the youngsters but you start reaping the rewards later on by giving them those opportunities at a young age.

“I thought Jayden Adams was just real class and quality [against TS Galaxy]. He’s so calm and doesn’t give the ball away, his first touch is one of the best I’ve ever worked with, but it’s all round.

Quiz – Can you name all 24 foreign players who have represented Stellenbosch FC?

“Devin Titus has the ability to score goals, took his goal really well, and worked hard, so it’s nice for these youngsters to get and take these opportunities”