Barker Aims Subtle Dig at Kaizer Chiefs After Ntwari Sub Drama

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has weighed in on the drama surrounding Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, suggesting such defiance wouldn’t happen in his camp.

Ntwari made headlines after refusing to be substituted during Chiefs’ Carling Knockout Cup defeat to Stellenbosch last weekend. 

The Rwandan insisted on staying for the penalty shootout despite instructions to make way for Bruce Bvuma.

Though he saved the first spot-kick, Chiefs still lost 5–4 and crashed out in the Round of 16.  

A result that deepened the unrest already brewing inside Naturena.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Barker was asked how he’d react if one of his own players refused a substitution. His answer was firm and measured.

“A difficult question. I can’t really answer because I don’t think a player from our club would do that,” Barker said.

His comment lands as Kaizer Chiefs continue to grapple with issues of authority and unity following Nasreddine Nabi’s suspension and caretaker coach Cedric Kaze’s uncertain future.

The Ntwari incident has become a flashpoint in what many see as a deeper identity crisis at Chiefs. https://talysports.com/kaizer-chiefs-civil-descent/

 A club still searching for balance, discipline, and belief.

By contrast, Barker’s Stellenbosch look stable and focused. 

They’ve quietly built a reputation for discipline and cohesion, the very qualities now missing at Naturena.

Stellenbosch return to CAF Confederation Cup duty on 18 October, facing 15 de Agosto of Angola

Chiefs, meanwhile, host AS Simba of DR Congo the same week.

A fixture that could either steady their season or expose more internal fractures.

Because right now, Steve Barker’s calm confidence only highlights the chaos swirling around Kaizer Chiefs.