Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has praised youngster Kyle Jurgens for giving his best and playing without fear against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup this past weekend.

The 19-year-old was handed his first start for Stellies this season when he was named in the startling line up against Sundowns in the absence of suspended vice-captain Deano van Rooyen.

Jurgens, who has only featured twice for the club this season, excelled in the right back position to help his side secure their place in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup following their 2-1 victory over Sundowns at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

Barker was impressed by Jurgens’ showing against Sundowns and admits he showed “great character” to help his side book their place in the last four of the competition.

“Kyle is a great character and hard-working kid, and I knew that he would be able to give his best and play without fear,” Barker told his club’s official website.

“At the end of the day, I made the decision to start him and if it didn’t work out then it was on me, so I told him to go out and defend well and keep it simple.

“We didn’t need him to get forward like we normally do with Deano and I thought he had a fantastic full debut. To play 90 minutes in front of a big crowd, in a quarter-final, the way he applied himself was really commendable.”

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