The story of how long Stellenbosch FC tracked former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lesiba Nku demonstrates why they are never afraid to let their best players go.
Twenty months! That's how long Stellenbosch had been tracking Nku. If you needed further proof that Stellies operate at a different level, there it is.
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They don't sign for the sake of signing. It's by no means a thumb suck. They follow players for some time before it gets rubber stamped and their pursuit of Nku is a clear example of how patient they are when it comes to getting the players they need.
Nku sealed a deadline day move to Stellies from Sundowns and long-serving goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt revealed that the club had been tracking the winger's progress for close to two years before they finally secured his signature. Talk about persistence.
"Even with Nku that we signed from Sundowns, we've been trying to sign him for over 20 months. For me, it shows that there's lots of planning that goes into the club and into who we want to bring in. So credit to the recruiting department and the coaches. We've lost so many players, but we always bring quality back in," Langeveldt told media at the Nedbank Cup last 16 draw held in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Wednesday evening.
"We know about his quality. Hopefully by the weekend he can play and I'm sure he will give us some goals because we need goals."
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Nku brings valuable experience to Stellies. From his days at Polokwane City, to Marumo Gallants and then Sundowns, the player has played in different positions and will give head coach Steve Barker options.
The 28-year-old's experience of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals with Gallants, as well as featuring for Sundowns in the Champions League and African Football League puts him in a good position to become one of the leaders in the team and guide the younger generation.
Nku could make his debut this Saturday when Stellies take on Sekhukhune United at Danie Craven Stadium.
