Latest news with #RobBenadie
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Stellenbosch FC chief Rob Benadie: How SA can become a continental powerhouse again
Stellenbosch FC chief executive Rob Benadie says South African football can be a continental powerhouse if they sort out the off-field issues. Image: Backpagepix In the ever-turbulent world of South African football, few voices speak with as much calm, clarity, and measured insight as Rob Benadie, CEO of Stellenbosch FC. As his club prepares for another competitive Betway Premiership season, Benadie's reflections offer not only a window into the ambitions of a growing club but also a pointed commentary on the state of football in the country. Speaking during an interview with the South African Football Journalists Association (Safja), Benadie was characteristically open, outlining both the footballing and operational blueprint of a club that has steadily emerged from the Cape Winelands to become a respected force in the PSL. 'We go into the season usually as one of the better-prepared clubs,' Benadie noted. 'We try to do everything we can to ensure we're ready — from pre-season training camps to scouting smartly.' Indeed, the club's approach to recruitment is methodical. While Stellenbosch FC lost key players such as Ismael Toure, Fawaaz Basadien and Sihle Nduli, Benadie is confident in their replacements — a Belgian centre-back, a left-back from Azerbaijan, and depth in midfield, including the arrival of midfield dynamo Khiba. 'We're confident in our scouting process,' Benadie explained. 'Our recruitment uses data, video analysis, and coach consultations. We don't just sign names — we sign players who fit our style.' This measured approach extends off the field as well, particularly in an era when financial mismanagement plagues many clubs. Unlike some of their bigger rivals, Stellenbosch FC is not a club throwing money at problems. 'We don't pay exorbitant salaries,' Benadie said candidly. 'But we do offer a conducive environment for players to grow, compete, and be seen by bigger clubs. Our players know they're in the shop window.' In fact, Stellenbosch's model — modest salaries, focused development, and consistent exposure — has made it a destination of choice for ambitious talent. The club's use of platforms like TransferRoom, which connects clubs globally for transfer dealings, is just one example of their forward-thinking approach. 'We're not here to hoard talent,' Benadie stated. 'If a player can go overseas or to a bigger local club, that's a win for us too. We focus on long-term sustainability.' Yet, even with their success, there remain frustrations — particularly with the lack of proper stadium access and infrastructure support in the Western Cape. For now, they'll play their MTN8 fixtures at Cape Town Stadium due to poor pitch conditions at Danie Craven Stadium. It's far from ideal, but Benadie sees a longer-term solution in the works. With the backing of major shareholder Remgro, the club is in advanced negotiations with the Stellenbosch Municipality to take over the historic Van der Stel Sports Grounds — with the intention of building a purpose-fit stadium and high-performance training centre. 'We envision a facility with an 8,000 to 10,000-seater stadium — that's more than enough for PSL matches,' said Benadie. 'We want to create a home-ground advantage, like Wits did when they won the league. That kind of intimacy can be a weapon.' The project, expected to cost tens of millions of rands, will also house development infrastructure, possibly making Stellenbosch a genuine academy powerhouse. While timelines stretch into 2026, the long-term thinking is clear — this is a club laying down roots for the future. And what of that future? For Benadie, the dream is both local and continental. He openly admires Morocco's recent rise in African football and points to their investment in elite youth academies as a key reason. 'When we visited RS Berkane, we saw the future of African football. Their academy had 400 kids living and breathing football,' he recalled. 'We want to do the same — build the best academy in Africa, right here in Stellenbosch.' But he's also clear-eyed about the broader challenges in South African football — administrative bungling, governance failures, and missed opportunities.
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Stellenbosch FC's Rob Benadie optimistic about new season amid Fawaaz Basadien speculation
The future of Stellenbosch's Fawaaz Basadien remains unclear, with several clubs chasing his signature before the start of the 2025/26 season. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie has shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, highlighting the club's commitment to a stable and efficient squad. In an interview with Independent Media, Benadie expressed confidence that the groundwork laid in previous seasons would serve the club well as they head into the new campaign. There has been limited player turnover and continuity within the technical staff. "I'm feeling optimistic for the season," Benadie stated. "Our squad is currently well settled and complete, but of course, it is a long transfer window and there are always a few surprises." Goalkeeper Sage Stephens of Stellenbosch with the club's CEA Rob Benadie. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He reflected a calm confidence, reinforcing the idea that the club is well prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. However, the competitive landscape for South African football clubs is shifting. With the apparent struggles leading to the demise of local rivals Cape Town Spurs and Cape Town City, Benadie acknowledged the impact this may have on player availability. "There seem to be many more players released from clubs this year. We will keep abreast of player opportunities given the current marketplace," he explained. The club is ready to capitalise on any opportunities that may arise from this evolving environment. Reflecting on the past season, when Stellenbosch FC played a record 51 matches, Benadie noted their ambition to replicate this feat. A goal forever etched in our history books 📜 Thank you and good luck, Ismaël 👋 — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 5, 2025 "We will keep our feet on the ground and work smart and hard. The results from this past season are a great example of how quickly a club's fortunes can change for the worse," he cautioned, highlighting the volatile nature of football. In addition to domestic challenges, Benadie expressed excitement about the prospect of competing in African tournaments again. "We look forward to the privilege of competing in Africa again and truly hope we can play more of the matches in the Cape this time," he remarked. Nevertheless, this comes with a caveat. While participation enhances the club's profile, it also has financial implications. "It's a great tournament for the club's image, but it cost us a few million, even after reaching the semi-finals. That's not a good or sustainable model — except for the organisers," he emphasised. Benadie also shared his sentiments on missing the Cape derbies, wishing for a brighter future for the city's other clubs. "We will miss our Cape derbies and hope to have our neighbours back in the Premiership soon." His comments resonate with a shared desire among the Mother City's football fans for a competitive atmosphere that fosters community pride and excitement. Meanwhile, speculation is mounting around the future of Fawaaz Basadien, the experienced Stellenbosch FC left-back. The PSL standout has caught the attention of several top South African clubs, with heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates reportedly in pursuit of his signature. Despite the frenzy of transfer talk, Stellenbosch FC remains resolutely tight-lipped about the potential for a move.
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Stellenbosch FC get massive R395 million investment boost ahead of Zamalek CAF tie
Rob Benadie, CEO of Stellenbosch FC. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky, BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC continues to break new ground both on and off the pitch. With the playing squad currently in Egypt ahead of a historic second-leg CAF Confederation Cup clash against African powerhouse Zamalek on Wednesday, the club have announced plans to develop and operate a new multi-million-rand stadium at the Van der Stel Sports Complex. Stellenbosch FC have encountered numerous challenges this past season in relation to their home games, particularly in the CAF Confederation Cup. Stellies have played 'home' matches in both Pretoria and Durban due to the Danie Craven Stadium, Athlone Stadium and DHL Stadium not being available for football in the Western Cape at any given time. While it is unlikely that the Van der Stel Sports Complex will host matches of such magnitude with the football facilities set to include a 5 000-seat stadium - upgradable to 10,000 seats in future phases - it will also consist of four international standard full-size grass football fields, and six multi-purpose small-sided fields/courts. An epic encounter awaits in Cairo 🌍🇪🇬 — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 7, 2025 The landmark collaboration represents a significant milestone in Stellenbosch FC's commitment to Stellenbosch and the municipality's commitment to securing the future of the Premiership franchise in the sports-rich town with commitment set to be in the region of a R395 million investment over five years in the facility. SFC will manage and develop the complex over an initial 30-year term while the Stellenbosch Municipality retains ownership of this valuable public asset. 'We are grateful to the Municipality and the community of Stellenbosch for the opportunity to manage and develop this landmark complex over the next 30 years,' said SFC Chief Executive Rob Benadie. 'Football is the town's only sport code with a professional club that plays in national leagues with men's, women's and youth teams. 'The Van der Stel Complex is the ideal home for the town's football club, and SFC is privileged to bring the excitement and benefits of professional sport to the facility,' he added. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Stellenbosch FC's fans will have a new home at the Van der Stel Sports complex soon. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix
