WATCH: Stellenbosch FC ready to 'carry Cape football' as new season gets underway against AmaZulu
Image: BackpagePix
JOHANNESBURG - Stellenbosch FC are ready to be the Western Cape flagbearers in South Africa's football top-tier this season, according to veteran goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt.
Local rivals Cape Town City were relegated at the end of last season, while Stellies finished in a credible third position for the second consecutive season.
The Winelands club also finished runners-up in the MTN8, and enjoyed a dream run to the semi-finals in the Caf Confederation Cup.
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Langeveldt feels the Maroons have become accustomed to carrying the Cape football's hopes on their shoulders.
'I think over the past few seasons, I think we were basically carrying Cape Town football,' Langeveldt said at the MTN8 launch at the SuperSport Studios in Randburg.
'Last season we won a trophy, this season we want to continue with that, winning trophies. Last season we made it to the semi-final of Caf, final of top 8, and 3rd in the league. Now it's the next hurdle to hopefully win the League and win another trophy.'
Betway Premiership championship success might be a steep mountain to climb considering Mamelodi Sundowns' depth of talent and resources, but Steve Barker's charges will certainly have a crack at the MTN8 title they came so close to annexing last season.
A strong showing in the MTN8 will also give Stellenbosch the confidence that they can sustain a strong challenge in the League after another off-season that has seen major exits at Danie Craven Stadium.
Our first match of the season is just over a week away 🔜
🆚 AmaZulu FC
🏆 #MTN8 quarter-final
🏟 DHL Stadium, Cape Town
📅 3 August 2025
🕙 15h00
📺 SABC Sport & SuperSport
🎟️ R60.00 from Open Tickets — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 25, 2025
Ivorian central defender Ismael Toure has moved to the UAE, while midfielder Sihle Nduli and left wing-back Fawaaz Basadien have moved up to the highveld rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively.
Langeveldt believes Stellenbosch have showed that they can regroup after similar high-profile departures like Ashley du Preez, Jayden Adams, Iqraam Rayners and Zitha Kwinike in recent seasons.
'I think it's the model of the club, we're always going to lose our quality players, but we always replace well,' he said.
'I think credit to the recruitment department, there's always a plan in place if we do lose these players.
'We've proven over the last couple of years that we can do it, and hopefully we can continue like that, always bringing the same quality of players.'
The 38-year-old is unlikely to feature in Sunday's MTN8 quarter-final against AmaZulu having recently been assimilated into the Stellies' coaching staff with Sage Stephens and Oscarine Masuluke set to battle it out for the No 1 jersey, but Langeveldt is elated that the club will at least face the Usuthu at Cape Town Stadium after their gypsy-like existence last season.
Stellenbosch played 'home' matches in Durban, Gqeberha and even Pretoria last season.
'At least we're playing in Cape Town, so that's a positive,' he said. ' Hopefully, D.C. (Danie Craven Stadium) will be sorted soon and we can play in Stellenbosch where most of our supporters are.
'Yeah, Amazulu, it's going to be a tough match. I think they're a good team. They released a couple of players over the off-season, I think it's more than 15 if I'm not mistaken.
'So they're in a re-building phase, hopefully we can use that advantage to our advantage.'
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