Surprise Nhlabathi: Baroka chief backs defender to thrive at Stellenbosch despite key flaw

Baroka FC chairman Khurishi Mphahlele believes Surprise Nhlabathi has the physical tools to succeed at Stellenbosch FC, but says recurring miskicks forced the Limpopo club to let the young defender go.

Nhlabathi, 22, has signed for Stellenbosch ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after three seasons at Baroka, where he was part of a backline that conceded 43 goals in 30 league matches last term – a defensive record that contributed heavily to the club’s relegation to the amateur ranks.

Despite that difficult season, Mphahlele insists the centre-back arrives in the Western Cape with a strong recommendation, even as he highlighted a key area of concern in the player’s game.

‘Tall, strong – but miskicks the ball’

Speaking exclusively to KickOff, Mphahlele set out both the strengths and shortcomings he saw in Nhlabathi during his time at Baroka.

“Surprise is a defender who was with us at Baroka for approximately three seasons. He is currently 22 years old. He joined our team at a young age and hails from Mpumalanga province,” Mphahlele said.

“He is a tall, physically strong defender, but he often miskicks the ball.

“Nonetheless, his physique is excellent, and this quality alone makes him a desirable player. However, the miskicking remains a concern.”

Nhlabathi’s combination of height and strength made him a prominent figure in Baroka’s defence, but the club boss made clear that technical reliability, particularly in distribution, was a decisive factor in the decision not to retain him.

Performance behind Baroka exit

Mphahlele stressed that the choice to release Nhlabathi was based on performance, framing it within Baroka’s broader objective of raising standards after their drop into the amateur divisions.

The club, known as Bakgakga, endured a turbulent campaign in which their defensive frailties proved costly. Nhlabathi, operating in the heart of the backline, was directly involved in a season that saw Baroka concede more than a goal per game, ultimately paying the price with relegation.

With the team now looking to rebuild, Mphahlele said the club had to be ruthless in assessing every player’s contribution, even when they possessed clear potential.

Mphahlele further explained that Bakgakga had no alternative but to part ways with the Mpumalanga-born defender, underlining the club’s emphasis on on-field output.

“At Baroka, we focus on developing players into highly effective athletes. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours and hope he makes us proud,” he added.

Fresh start in the Cape Winelands

Nhlabathi’s move to Stellenbosch offers the defender a fresh platform in the professional ranks following Baroka’s relegation.

While Mphahlele pointed to miskicking as the main weakness in his game, he was equally clear that the defender’s physical profile made him an attractive option for his new employers.

The Baroka chairman’s comments suggest Stellenbosch are acquiring a player who, in his view, has notable physical strengths but needs to refine his technique and decision-making on the ball if he is to fully realise his potential at the higher level.

With the 2025/26 season still to come, Nhlabathi will now aim to address the issues highlighted by his former chairman and turn his attributes into consistent performances for Stellenbosch – something Mphahlele hopes will ultimately reflect positively on Baroka’s role in his development.