Stellenbosch FC have confirmed the return of hometown hero Ashley du Preez, with the forward rejoining the club on a permanent transfer from Kaizer Chiefs.
The 29-year-old returns to the Winelands four years after leaving for Naturena, bringing an end to his spell with the Soweto giants and beginning a second chapter with the club where his professional career started.
Homecoming for local star
Du Preez first joined Stellenbosch FC in 2016 and went on to make 98 appearances across all competitions during a six-year stint before securing a move to Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the 2022/23 season.
His return also comes a decade after he featured in Stellenbosch FC’s first-ever competitive match, coming off the bench in a National First Division fixture against Mthatha Bucks.
During his four seasons at Chiefs, Du Preez helped Amakhosi lift the 2025 Nedbank Cup before making the move back to the Cape Winelands on a long-term contract.
‘I always knew I would come back’
The Idas Valley-born attacker admitted returning to Stellenbosch had always been part of his plans.
“I always knew that I would come back to Stellenbosch,” Du Preez said.
“It’s great to be back where I grew up and at the club where it all started for me, and to be part of the Stellenbosch family again.
“The community knows me well and has supported me since the start of my professional career, so being a local player and representing the Club again is a huge honour and privilege for me. It’s an amazing feeling to be back.”
‘We’re bringing him home’
Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie welcomed the experienced forward back to the club, describing the transfer as a special moment for both the player and the community.
“Ashley has always held a special relationship with this club and the Stellenbosch community, so we are incredibly excited to bring him home,” Benadie said.
“He is also an exceptional footballer who has consistently proven his quality in the Betway Premiership over a number of years, and we believe he will add enormous value to our squad both on and off the field.”
No 10 shirt awaits
Du Preez has been handed the club’s iconic No 10 jersey for the 2026/27 season and could make his second debut when Stellenbosch host Polokwane City in their next Betway Premiership clash on Tuesday, 11 August.
His arrival comes shortly after winger Langelihle Phili completed his move in the opposite direction to Kaizer Chiefs, with the two clubs effectively swapping attacking talent ahead of the new campaign.
In another transfer deal between Stellies and Amakhosi, defender Given Msimango joined the Winelands side on a permanent transfer from Kaizer Chiefs.