Stellenbosch FC emerging as a top club in the elite league
By Mahlomola Lefupana When the 2023/24 season started few could have predicted that Stellenbosch FC will win a domestic cup, finishing in the CAF Inter-Competition spot. The story of the Stellenbosch FC’s rise in recent years is one to marvel at and certainly one that is changing the landscape of South Africa football. Founded in 2016 after the relocation of Vasco da Gama to Stellenbosch area, they were promoted to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 2019. Playing their home games at the Danie Craven Stadium, where they have created a fortress – they recently went 24 match unbeaten. Stellies solidified their status as a rising football team by winning the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup beating TS Galaxy in 2023. Perhaps Stellenbosch’s biggest decision was to hire Rob Benadie as the Chief Executive Officer and Steve Barker as Head Coach. Benadie has provided leadership and foresight hardly seen in the fast-paced football environment, while Backer has provided technical expertise in the