Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley Du Preez appears to be nearing the end of his four-year stay at Naturena, with Stellenbosch FC closing in on a move to bring the forward back to the Cape Winelands.
Du Preez joined Amakhosi from Stellenbosch in 2022 as one of the club’s most exciting attacking signings.
Despite showing flashes of his pace and potential, the 28-year-old struggled to establish himself as a consistent goalscorer.
Last season was particularly difficult for the Cape-born striker. He made just 12 appearances across all competitions, with most of them coming off the bench, and failed to score a single goal.
His campaign was also marked by several costly missed chances, including a glaring opportunity in the CAF Confederation Cup, as his confidence appeared to wane.
Du Preez to leave Chiefs after disappointing spell
A return to Stellenbosch could provide the fresh start Du Preez needs to rediscover the form that earned him a move to one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
According to iDiski Times, Stellenbosch have reignited their interest in re-signing the striker after initially making contact at the end of last season.
“Stellies made their interest known shortly after the conclusion of last season, but any sort of deal was cast in doubt due to the two parties being far away in terms of personal terms,” the publication reported.
“However, sources within the Cape Winelands club have confirmed personal terms have been agreed – and it’s now down to the club-to-club agreement to get the prospective deal over the line.
“While the deal has been mooted as part of a potential swap deal with rising talent Langelihle Phili – should the move for the winger not materialise, the club will need to negotiate a transfer fee for the mercurial forward.”
Du Preez leaves Chiefs having lifted just one trophy during his spell at the club, the 2025 Nedbank Cup and will hope a return to familiar surroundings can help revive his career.