Latest news with #StellenboschFC
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Stellenbosch opt for high altitude to boost high hopes for 2025/26 Campaign
Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker is currently overseeing training in Johannesburg as his squad prepares for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Stellenbosch FC have embarked on a strategic pre-season training camp in Johannesburg — a move head coach Steve Barker believes is crucial to the club's success in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. As the new campaign draws closer, Barker is confident that training in Gauteng will provide the solid foundation required for Stellenbosch's ambitions. While several rivals, including Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, have opted for international pre-season tours, Stellies have chosen a local yet high-impact alternative. Speaking to Barker explained the reasoning behind the decision: altitude benefits, improved weather, and access to quality opposition. Steve Barker, Fawaaz Basadien, Thabo Moloisane, Tylon Smith, and our recently signed forward, Muzomuhle Khanyi, have all been nominated for PSL awards ⬇️ — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 16, 2025 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 'We've decided to come up to Gauteng. Probably one of the main reasons is just good competition, varied competition, and to get some good match sharpness and match fitness, which will be good to integrate the new players into the squad,' he said. This approach highlights the club's commitment to intensive and practical preparation before their season opener. During their camp, Stellenbosch FC will play three friendly matches against local sides TS Galaxy, Siwelele FC, and JDR Stars. These fixtures will serve both as conditioning tools and tactical opportunities, giving players crucial minutes while allowing the technical team to assess readiness. 'Our main focus will be the three friendlies we will be playing against Galaxy, JDR and Siwelele. We want our players to get minutes under their belts,' Barker noted. The fixture details for the #MTN8 quarter-finals have been confirmed ⬇️ 🆚 AmaZulu FC 📅 Sunday, 3 August 2025 🕒 15h00 🏟️ DHL Stadium, Cape Town — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 17, 2025 The club is also using the camp to prepare for their upcoming MTN8 quarter-final clash against AmaZulu, set to take place in just two weeks. Environmental factors also played a key role in the decision to relocate pre-season to Johannesburg. With Cape Town experiencing wet winter conditions, the dry highveld weather offers more consistent training days and the added benefit of altitude adaptation. 'Obviously. the weather has been a little bit wet down in Cape Town, so we also came to get dry weather training and a little bit of altitude training,' Barker explained. Such conditions are expected to boost the team's physical conditioning ahead of what is likely to be a demanding and competitive season. All smiles ahead of today's session 😀 — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 16, 2025 Stellies have also been active in the transfer market. Among their new recruits are Muzomuhle Khanyi from Hungry Lions, Siviwe Nkwali from Cape Town Spurs, and Henri Stanic from Balzan FC in Malta. In addition, academy product Simthandile Sishi has been promoted from the Stellenbosch DStv Diski side. 'Overall, I am happy with the players who've joined us from other clubs. They're settling in nicely, and they show energy and enthusiasm,' said Barker. With a focus on nurturing homegrown talent and integrating new signings into a cohesive unit, Stellenbosch FC's preparation strategy reflects both ambition and long-term planning. As pre-season continues, attention will soon turn to competitive fixtures — where the true test of this structured build-up begins.
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns fail to match R25m for Bafana star?
It looks like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will lose out on Bafana Bafana left-back Fawaaz Basadien. The 28-year-old talented defender has been a prized asset for Stellenbosch FC over the years and it's evident why the club is not willing to let him go for cheap. Last year, Amakhosi's offer was reportedly rejected as it was under R10 million. Mamelodi Sundowns are another team to have tried their luck with Basadien; however, Stellies appear to have named their price. If Kaizer Chiefs or Sundowns are to sign the Bafana star, they need to fork out R25 million. According to Soccer Laduma , Masandawana are keen to push for a final bid as they risk losing Basadien to North African giants. 'Sundowns are aware of interest from other clubs, including from North Africa and that's why it's believed that they are raising their offer to Stellenbosch FC. It could be the highest payment for a local player so far. They are still interested in signing him and will push for the final bid,' a source told Soccer Laduma . The publication also mentioned that Sundowns will look to sell Thembinkosi Lorch to purchase Basadien this transfer window 'They are willing to go as far as between R20 million to R25 million to get him. They are aware that North African countries pay very well and that's why even they are asking Wydad Casablanca for around R20 million for Thembinkosi Lorch. And apparently they are also ready to make it R25 million, plus players as well, to Stellenbosch FC to get Basadien,' the second insider said. The 28-year-old left-back for Bafana Bafana has discussed interest from local teams, including Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, but has chosen to remain loyal to Stellenbosch FC. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates target Thabo Moloisane transfer from Stellenbosch FC
Orlando Pirates are actively pursuing Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane, despite his contract running until June 2026, as they await developments in his situation. Picture: Alche Greef/BackpagePix Image: Alche Greef/BackpagePix Orlando Pirates are still hoping to bag the signature Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane, according to reports. Soccer Laduma reports that Pirates are still trying to sign the player, despite the latest developments which point to the move not happening. Moloisane was nominated for Betway Premiership Defender of the Season at the upcoming PSL awards at the end of the month. His contract with Stellies actually runs until the end of June 2026, but that has seemingly not deterred the Soweto Giants. 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 ✕ Pirates Eyeing Moloisane Amid Contract Talks with Stellenbosch 'Pirates are still very much in for Moloisane,' a source told the Siya crew. 'They are aware of his contract situation and are waiting to see how things unfold with Stellenbosch. He is one of the main targets,' the source added. Premier Soccer League Announces 2024/2025 Awards Nominees The Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Tuesday confirmed the nominees for the 2024/2025 PSL Awards. The awards will take place on July 29, at 7pm, on the SuperSport PSL channel and on SABC Sport. In the headline event, the Footballer of the Season award will be contested by Sekhukhune United's Keletso Makgalwa, Relebohile Mofokeng of Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns' Lucas Ribeiro Costa. The Betway Premiership Players Player of the Season will also come from one of the same three players. The Betway Premiership Coach of the Season award will come from Stellenbosch FC's Steve Barker, Sundowns' Miguel Cardoso, and Pirates' José Riveiro. In the Premiership Young Player of the Season award, the Pirates duo of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota will battle it out against Sundowns star Malibongwe Khoza. Meanwhile, the Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament will come from one of Magesi FC duo of Elvis Chipezeze and Edmore Chirambadare, and Sundowns' Iqraam Rayners. In the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament category, all three nominees — Inacio Miguel, Pule Mmodi, and Gaston Sirino — come from Kaizer Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player category is dominated by Orlando Pirates, with nominations for Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mohau Nkota. @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Sishi steps up as Stellenbosch chart bold path with uual promotions
Stellenbosch FC has announced that veteran goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt has signed a contract extension that will see him enter his 21st season as a professional. He will also serve as a goalkeeper coach for the club's reserve, youth, and ladies teams. Image: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC have announced the exciting promotion of 20-year-old defender Simthandile Sishi to their first-team squad ahead of the 2025/26 season, signalling a continued commitment to nurturing young talent at the club. Sishi, who joined Stellenbosch in 2022, has quickly emerged as one of the club's leading prospects, having captained the reserve team last season. His leadership was pivotal in securing two major titles — the DStv Diski Challenge and the Premier League Next Generation Cup — showcasing his potential on the international youth stage. Sishi's accolades do not end there; his recent recognition as the Sportsman of the Year for the reserve team highlights his dedication and prowess as a rising star at the Winelands club. New era, same ambition — Stellenbosch FC promote Simthandile Sishi to the first team while preparing club legend Lee Langeveldt for life beyond the posts. 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 ✕ Wearing the No 22 jersey, he is poised to step onto the field alongside seasoned players as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. 'I'm very excited to sign a professional contract,' Sishi said. 'Playing in the DDC, winning the DDC, and taking part in the Next Gen Cup helped me grow as both a player and an individual, and I feel ready to make the step up.' The young defender's enthusiasm and ambition reflect the club's desire to develop homegrown talent, with expectations high for him to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. In tandem with Sishi's promotion, Stellenbosch FC are facilitating the transition of veteran goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt into coaching. This dual model sets the club apart in South African football. The club is proud to announce that Lee Langeveldt has signed a contract extension that will see him enter his 21st season as a professional ✍️ — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 10, 2025 Rather than allowing legends to drift into obscurity post-retirement, Stellenbosch are crafting structured pathways for their players' futures. The 2025 CAF Confederation Cup semi-finalists recently extended Langeveldt's contract for one more season, allowing him to lend his invaluable experience to the team. Stellenbosch's statement reads: 'Langeveldt will remain part of the first-team squad for the 2025/26 season before being provided the opportunity to transition into a backroom role, where he will serve as a goalkeeper coach for the club's reserve, youth, and ladies teams.' Langeveldt has now clocked 21 years in professional football and stands as the last player from the squad that achieved promotion to the top flight during the 2018/19 season. His contributions to the club and connection to the community establish him as a living legend, one uniquely positioned to impact both on and off the pitch for Stellenbosch FC. This dual announcement not only exemplifies the club's commitment to developing youth talent but also its dedication to honouring and integrating its veteran players into meaningful roles. In a progressive move, Stellenbosch are demonstrating how to build a sustainable football culture — nurturing future stars while ensuring football legends remain actively involved in the sport.
The South African
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Thabo Moloisane set to leave Stellies with Big 3 circling
Thabo Moloisane will walk away from Stellenbosch FC at the end of the 2025/26 season, with his agent confirming he won't renew his contract. That means the highly-rated defender will be available as a free agent from 1 July 2026. After joining Stellenbosch following Maritzburg United's relegation in 2023, the 27-year-old centre-back has flourished. Moloisane made 46 appearances across all competitions last season, playing a pivotal role in helping the club secure a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership and a semi-final berth in the CAF Confederation Cup. Alongside Ismaël Olivier Touré, Moloisane anchored the heart of the defence, earning widespread plaudits for his commanding performances. 'Yes, this is our last dance so to speak. Thabo has had an incredible stint at Stellenbosch FC and enjoyed quite a number of milestones with the club, including being called up to Bafana Bafana,' said agent Karabo Tshabuse. 'There were discussions for a contract extension, which was tabled for him to continue playing there beyond just next season. But we could not find each other – so this will be Thabo's final year at the club.' With just six months before Moloisane becomes eligible to sign a pre-contract, interest is heating up from South Africa's traditional powerhouses, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Kaizer Chiefs: quiet monitoring The Glamour Boys have tracked Moloisane since late 2024. Chiefs reportedly included him on their defensive wishlist and may move in with a formal offer closer to the season's conclusion. Orlando Pirates: Leading the race Pirates have shown the most aggressive interest, identifying Moloisane as a key defensive target early in 2025. Reports suggest ongoing talks, with a potential deal on the table. Scouts have consistently watched his progress, and the Bucs appear keen to seal the move. Mamelodi Sundowns: Keeping tabs Sundowns haven't made any official moves yet, but their historic connection to Moloisane, who came through their youth ranks, makes them a legitimate contender. The Brazilians have also kept a close eye on Stellenbosch's emerging talent pool. The player has admitted he's aware of the buzz surrounding his future. In a composed response, Moloisane expressed gratitude but refused to rush any decisions. 'I'm waiting for the right opportunity at the right time. God is in control, so we'll see,' he said. Where will Thabo Moloisane land? Chiefs, Pirates or Sundowns? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
