In the world of South African football, the “Big Three” clubs – Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates – have long dominated the landscape. However, a new contender has emerged in recent years, steadily climbing the ranks and now ready to make a statement on the continental stage: Stellenbosch FC.
The Rise of Stellenbosch FC
Stellenbosch FC, based in the picturesque town of the same name in the Western Cape, was founded in 2016 and quickly made its way into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) by 2019. Since then, the club has been on an upward trajectory, finishing fourth in the 2021/22 season and third in 2022/23.
Much of the club’s success can be attributed to the astute leadership of head coach Steve Barker, the nephew of the late Clive Barker, who led South Africa to their only Africa Cup of Nations title in 1996. Steve Barker’s man-management skills and ability to develop young talent have been key to Stellenbosch’s rise.
We want to be competing on the highest level. That is being in finals, being third in the league last season, qualifying for CAF Competitions.
Steve Barker, Stellenbosch FC Head Coach
Developing Local Talent
One of the hallmarks of Stellenbosch FC’s success has been their ability to develop young, local talent through their academy system. The club’s reserve team has won the DSTV Diski Challenge – South Africa’s reserve league – twice in a row, a testament to the strength of their youth setup.
Players like Jayden Adams, Devin Titus, and Kyle Jurgens have all graduated from the academy to become first-team regulars, with Jurgens in particular catching the eye with his crossing ability from the right-back position.
My crossing skills are good, so it allows me to go forward. At first, I was always told to not go forward until they saw, in training, the crosses that I put in.
Kyle Jurgens, Stellenbosch FC Right-Back
Sustainable Success
Despite the departure of star striker Iqraam Rayners to Mamelodi Sundowns and right-back Deano van Rooyen to Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch has managed to maintain their high standards. This is due in large part to the club’s focus on sustainable success and their data-driven recruitment process.
Head of recruitment Brendon Fourie, a former student of the Johan Cruyff Institute, has been instrumental in identifying talents like André de Jong and Lehlohonolo Bradley Mojela, who have thrived at Stellenbosch after struggling at their previous clubs.
Coach Steve’s man-management skills are incredible. He understands when a player needs an arm around the shoulder or when he needs a little bit of a stern talking to.
Brendon Fourie, Stellenbosch FC Head of Recruitment
Making a Mark in the CAF Confederation Cup
Now, as Stellenbosch FC prepares to embark on their maiden voyage in the CAF Confederation Cup, they have the opportunity to show the rest of the continent that they belong among the elite. Their opening match against Stade Malien will be a stern test, but one that the club is relishing.
Coach Steve Barker, while cognizant of the challenges posed by the added fixtures, remains focused on maintaining the club’s upward trajectory and achieving sustainable success.
We will regard this season as being a very successful season if we show the same consistency that we showed in the last three seasons.
Steve Barker, Stellenbosch FC Head Coach
As Stellenbosch FC continues to rise, they serve as a shining example of what can be achieved through a combination of astute leadership, a focus on youth development, and a data-driven approach to recruitment. While the “Big Three” of South African football may still hold sway, Stellenbosch is proving that there is room for a new powerhouse to emerge.
With their entry into the CAF Confederation Cup, Stellenbosch FC is ready to make a statement not just in South Africa, but across the entire continent. As they take on the challenge of competing on multiple fronts, the club’s resilience, unity, and belief in their own abilities will be put to the test. However, if their recent history is anything to go by, Stellenbosch FC is more than up to the task.
