Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker says it is 'unfair' on so called 'smaller' teams that the transfer stays opened well into the season following the sale of midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa to Kaizer Chiefs.
Stellies crashed out of the MTN8 despite winning the second leg semi-final 1-0 against Orlando Pirates who progressed via away goals, with the Buccaneers having won the first leg 2-1.
READ | 'He's a quality player' - Delighted Ntseki details Mthethwa impact
One man who was amiss in the middle of the park for Stellies was Mthethwa, who has joined Chiefs after the Soweto Giants triggered the 29-ear-old's release clause in the final week of the transfer window.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after the loss to Pirates, Barker lamented the loss of his key man so late in the window.
"I don't want to talk too much on the transfer [of Mthethwa] because I think you know it has happened and it's done," Barker said.
"Unfortunately, it was about the clause in his contract which was triggered, so there's not much we could do, we always knew all along that if that happens, there's nothing we can do.
"So yeah, it's a pity the window stays open for so long and it's unfair on smaller teams like us, where you know you start the season with players doing well and then all of a sudden you know maybe one or two other teams they don't start as well or find that they may need something and then [they sign your player].
"It does make it difficult, so but again as I keep saying we're a club that you know, we don't stall careers, we enhance careers, and we wish him well.
"You could see today at play Sihle Nduli, who's maybe been playing bridesmaid to Mthethwa as a footballer, a quality football himself. The amount of effort he put in, breaking down attacks was special to see.
"So, it's their time now they need to step up. We can't dwell on that [Mthethwa transfer] it's over now we need to look forward with the personnel that we have."
Next for Stellenbosch is a DStv Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
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