Latest news with #Stellies
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Rising stars and proven performers: New signings shine bright in debut seasons
Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns continued to set the benchmark in the Betway Premiership with yet another dominant campaign. Orlando Pirates emerged as their strongest challengers, but even their title push eventually faded under the relentless pressure of the champions. As next season approaches, the task of dethroning them remains a massive one — and clubs looking to break their grip on the title may need to dig deep into their pockets. With that in mind, we take a look at some of the most impressive signings from the 2024/25 season. Iqraam Rayners The former Stellies striker narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot by two goals, edged by his teammate Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who ended the season with 16 goals. Joining a side that had the football world at its feet — seven consecutive league titles and ambitions stretching across the continent and beyond — Rayners had to prove himself in a star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns outfit. His clinical finishing has added real value to a team chasing its second CAF Champions League crown. At 29, Rayners is enjoying a remarkable debut campaign for the Pretoria giants, having netted 21 goals across 43 matches in all competitions. He now stands on the brink of a league and Champions League double — a potential fairytale first season. UJayden Adams ngomnye wabadlali eza kuthembela kubo iMamelodi Sundowns xa idibana neAl Ahly emdlalweni weCAF Champions League emalanga namhlanje ePitoli. Image: Backpagepix Jayden Adams The gifted attacking midfielder drew plenty of attention before choosing to join the Brazilians during the January transfer window. It didn't take long for Adams to display his class and big-match temperament. In less than six months, he has slotted into the Sundowns set-up seamlessly and become a vital cog. Adams has made 17 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist. In a team brimming with midfield options, his growing importance bodes well for both the present and the seasons ahead. Deano van Rooyen Orlando Pirates players (from left) Makhehleni Makhaula, Deano van Rooyen and Relebohile Mofokeng are a big part of the history-chasing side. | ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Deano van Rooyen Van Rooyen was a defensive stalwart for the Buccaneers, anchoring a backline that played a crucial role in their respectable season — one that yielded MTN8 success and a near miss in the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs (2–1). Since his move from Stellies, the 28-year-old has thrived, and his efforts haven't gone unnoticed, earning him a place in Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos' preliminary squad for the upcoming international friendlies. A model of consistency with minimal errors, Van Rooyen also showed attacking prowess and slotted perfectly into an Orlando Pirates side known for its fluid, goal-rich football. Orlando Pirates will quickly have to put the disappointment of their Caf Champions League semi-final loss behind them ahead of a big week of domestic football that can still have a massive impact on Jose Riveiro's farewell season with the club. They need that 'we go again' mentality, because there is still a lot to play for this season. Image: AFP Thalente Mbatha Mbatha had already been integrated into the Buccaneers' set-up before his move from SuperSport United became permanent. This season, he proved to be one of José Riveiro's most trusted soldiers, forming a solid midfield partnership with Makhehlene Makhaula. With 23 league appearances under his belt, Mbatha's relentless work rate and ability to finish with aplomb — from both close range and distance — made him an indispensable piece in Pirates' midfield engine. ORLANDO Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi continues to receive rave reviews after his domestic and continental exploits. | BackpagePix Image: BACKPAGEPIX
IOL News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Stellenbosch FC beef up their 2025/26 squad with Amajita star, confirms coach Steve Barker
Amajita star Siviwe Nkwali is on his way to Stellenbosch FC next season. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is proud of his team's achievements in the 2024/25 season, but is not resting on his laurels after his team ensured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup again. Stellies claimed third place in the Betway Premiership for the second successive season after their goalless draw in the Western Cape derby against Cape Town City to conclude yet another highly successful campaign for the Winelands club. But Barker is already looking ahead to the 2025/26 season in order for his team to stay ahead of the chasing pack with the confirmation of new signings of U20 Afcon winner Siviwe Nkwali and MFC top goalscorer Muzomuhle Khanyi. 'I think at the end of the day third was our objective, and we finished in third position,' Barker said. 'I think it's a massive achievement after having played as many games and what we achieved on the continent to also then show the consistency in the league and finish third is really credit must go to the players. Back where we belong now 🌍 See you again next season, @CAFCLCC 👋 — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 24, 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 ✕ 'They've just been incredible this whole season. It's one of the group of players that I've been the most proudest of coaching, just their resilience, their grit, their determination… 'But, yes, we are a team that is proactive. We are in the market to beef up where we feel we need to, so yeah we are definitely being really active and behind the scenes. 'Sometimes these things just take a little bit of time and one or two things happen before you can make one or two of your final decisions. 'But as you may have seen in the news recently, we have signed already, well it was done in January … Nkwali from Cape Town Spurs and Muzi from Hungry Lions,' he said. Stellies' success has often come at a price though the last few seasons with major players such as Ashley du Preez, Jayden Adams, Junior Mendietta, Zitha Kwinika and Iqraam Rayners moving on to the one of the big three clubs in Johannesburg. Barker is resigned to losing influential midfielder Sihle Nduli with the veteran coach handing the captain's armband to the former TS Galaxy midfielder last Saturday against City as a farewell present.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Cape Town City's PSL status still in balance after Stellenbosch FC derby draw
Haashim Domingo Cape Town City's Haashim Domingo battles away against Stellenbosch FC in the local derby at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Cape Town City's Premiership fate is no longer in their hands. They have run their race and finished on 27 points – one point above the relegation zone. But instead of celebrating after their goalless draw with Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape derby at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they will have to wait until the SuperSport United and Golden Arrows replay 45 minutes – effectively one half – of their abandoned clash due to loadshedding back in February. SuperSport United are a point behind City on 26 points after losing 2-0 to Richards Bay, but still have their get-out-of-jail card available after the PSL's ruling last week. Stellenbosch, meanwhile, have secured third place after Arrows beat Sekhukhune United 3-2, to ensure Steve Barker's team will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup again next season. Stellies reach the semi-finals of the continental competition in their first effort this season. City may yet rue not taking advantage of a host of opportunities in the Cape derby, with Gabriel Amato creating an early chance with a right-footed volley skimming the Stellenbosch crossbar. The Citizens' desperation was evident as they continued to pour forward in search of a much-needed goal. 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 ✕ Experienced midfielder Thulani Serero also found space on the edge of the box, rifling in a shot that forced a double save from Oscarine Masuluke. Central defender Lorenzo Gordinho also had an opportunity immediately after the halftime break when his glancing header nestled into the bread basket of the Stellies goalkeeper. But with City foraging forward, they also left themselves exposed at the back, and against a team with the quality that Stellenbosch possess, they were fortunate not to be punished. Stellies weathered the storm and began creating opportunities of their own, with striker Ashley Cupido working his way down the right touchline before sending in a good cross that found Andre de Jongh unmarked.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Tylon Smith has the attributes to be a really top-class defender, says Stellies coach Steve Barker
Amajita star defender Tylon Smith has earned the praise of his Stellenbosch FC club coach Steve Barker. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker believes Amajita star Tylon Smith has a 'really bright future ahead of him.' Smith was recently named Player of the Tournament at the Afcon U20 Championships in Egypt, where the central defender played a pivotal role in South Africa annexing their maiden continental U20 title. Amajita defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final, avenging the 1997 defeat to the North Africans. Smith, along with fellow Stellenbosch rookie Langelihle 'Major' Phili, were greeted with a hero's welcome by their fellow players at the club's annual awards banquet upon their return from Egypt this week. 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 ✕ Stellies right-winger Faiz Abrahams was also part of the SA U20 squad, but was not present at the awards. 'Obviously, I'm very proud of what the players have achieved at the U20 Afcon,' Barker said. 'All of the players, Faiz, Major (Phili) and Tylan really are doing not only the club proud, but also doing South Africa proud. 'So, really pleased with their contribution as we are with Monet Crumpton, the goalkeeper coach. Really, really well done to them.' The focus will, however, be on Smith after the defender's inspirational displays for Amajita, which also included a crucial goal in the semi-final victory over Nigeria. The 19-year-old has signed a professional contract with Stellies, but is yet to make his debut in the Betway Premiership. Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is proud of his young charges in the Amajita squad. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
'It doesn't stop here', says Fawaaz Basadien after cleaning the floor at Stellenbosch FC awards
Fawaaz Basadien won both Stellenbosch FC's Players Player of the Season and Footballer of the Season awards. Picture: Zaahier Adams/Indepedent Media Image: Picture: Zaahier Adams/Indepedent Media Stellenbosch FC may yet lose their second successive Footballer of the Season to perennial Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, but right now Fawaaz Basadien is simply enjoying his crowning moment with the Maroons. Basadien was the big winner at the SFC Awards at the Allée Bleue Wine Estate on Tuesday evening. The skilful fullback was rewarded for his excellent performances throughout the 2024-25 season, where he played a prominent role in Stellies reaching a first-ever CAF Confederation Cup semi-final and MTN8 Final, claiming the coveted Players' Player of the Season and Footballer of the Season prizes. Basadien could potentially though follow in the footsteps of former ace Stellies striker Iqraam Rayners, who won the club's Footballer of the Season award last season, prior to his lucrative transfer to Sundowns. 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 ✕ The 28-year-old's impressive form down the flanks and his educated left boot has long caught the attention of Gauteng's 'Big Three', namely Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, despite Basadien having penned a long-term contract extension at Stellies in February last year. It would therefore require Sundowns - or indeed one of the Soweto duo - to lay down a hefty transfer fee to acquire Basadien's services, especially since he's also become a Bafana Bafana regular under Belgian coach Hugo Broos the past season. Basadien, though, remains tight-lipped over his future movements and instead basked in the honour of rising to the top at Stellies, who had taken the risk of signing the then relatively unknown Grassy Park-born rookie from Moroka Swallows back in 2022. 'It's a privilege and honour to be recognised as the standout player in our whole team,' Basadien exclusively told the Indy Sport Show. 'I also want to pay tribute to my teammates. They are the ones who help me on the field and help me stand out. As a footballer, you want to achieve these things. 'For me, I haven't won many individual awards in the past, so it's an honour and privilege, as it's shown that I've been consistent and done well throughout the season.' The Stellenbosch FC prize winners. Picture: Zaahier Adams/Independent Media Image: Zaahier Adams/Independent Media Stellenbosch FC competed valiantly in their debut continental campaign with the winelands club beating Egyptian giants Zamalak in Cairo in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals to qualify for a maiden semi-final berth. Although they eventually fell to Tanzanian outfit Simba FC, coached by fellow Capetonian Fadlu Davids, Basadien feels the African adventures have significantly aided his development. 'It was a very good experience for the club, and for us as players. Obviously, it was the first time we were in the CAF, so it wasn't easy,' he said. 'We started quite slow, lost our first two games, but we knew as a team we can achieve something special, even though it was our first season. 'We knew that we just needed to get one win, that will bring confidence all the way through the group stages. 'That first win was important for us, but what an experience it was to play all over Africa … Morocco, Egypt, Zanzibar … 'For us as players, that's where you dream of playing. But now that I've had the opportunity, it doesn't stop here!' Stellies close out their season against struggling neighbours Cape Town City on Saturday at the DHL Stadium. The derby has significant consequences for both teams with City battling to avoid the relegation playoffs, while Steve Barker's men are aiming to secure third position which will secure qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup again next season. The emotions could be running high for Basadien too as it could potentially be his last match in a maroon shirt, but right now all he wants to focus on is securing Stellies' continental future. 'It's a massive one to end the season,' he said. 'The derby!' 'We obviously want to finish third, so it's important for us to get the victory. That's our goal, to play in Africa again next season.' The full list of 2024-25 Stellenbosch FC award winners: Footballer of the Season – Fawaaz Basadien Sportsman of the Year – Sage Stephens Players' Player of the Season – Fawaaz Basadien Young Player of the Season – Ibraheem Jabaar Golden Boot – Devin Titus Rama Fans Player of the Season – Sihle Nduli DDC Footballer of the Season – Faiz Abrahams DDC Sportsman of the Year – Simthandile Sishi DDC Golden Boot – Cheswyn Philander CEO's award – Ghouwa Manuel Special achievements – Fawaaz Basadien, Ibraheem Jabaar, Sihle Nduli, Sage Stephens & Devin Titus (100 appearances)
