Latest news with #Benadie
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Stellenbosch FC's Rob Benadie optimistic about new season amid Fawaaz Basadien speculation
The future of Stellenbosch's Fawaaz Basadien remains unclear, with several clubs chasing his signature before the start of the 2025/26 season. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie has shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, highlighting the club's commitment to a stable and efficient squad. In an interview with Independent Media, Benadie expressed confidence that the groundwork laid in previous seasons would serve the club well as they head into the new campaign. There has been limited player turnover and continuity within the technical staff. "I'm feeling optimistic for the season," Benadie stated. "Our squad is currently well settled and complete, but of course, it is a long transfer window and there are always a few surprises." Goalkeeper Sage Stephens of Stellenbosch with the club's CEA Rob Benadie. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He reflected a calm confidence, reinforcing the idea that the club is well prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. However, the competitive landscape for South African football clubs is shifting. With the apparent struggles leading to the demise of local rivals Cape Town Spurs and Cape Town City, Benadie acknowledged the impact this may have on player availability. "There seem to be many more players released from clubs this year. We will keep abreast of player opportunities given the current marketplace," he explained. The club is ready to capitalise on any opportunities that may arise from this evolving environment. Reflecting on the past season, when Stellenbosch FC played a record 51 matches, Benadie noted their ambition to replicate this feat. A goal forever etched in our history books 📜 Thank you and good luck, Ismaël 👋 — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 5, 2025 "We will keep our feet on the ground and work smart and hard. The results from this past season are a great example of how quickly a club's fortunes can change for the worse," he cautioned, highlighting the volatile nature of football. In addition to domestic challenges, Benadie expressed excitement about the prospect of competing in African tournaments again. "We look forward to the privilege of competing in Africa again and truly hope we can play more of the matches in the Cape this time," he remarked. Nevertheless, this comes with a caveat. While participation enhances the club's profile, it also has financial implications. "It's a great tournament for the club's image, but it cost us a few million, even after reaching the semi-finals. That's not a good or sustainable model — except for the organisers," he emphasised. Benadie also shared his sentiments on missing the Cape derbies, wishing for a brighter future for the city's other clubs. "We will miss our Cape derbies and hope to have our neighbours back in the Premiership soon." His comments resonate with a shared desire among the Mother City's football fans for a competitive atmosphere that fosters community pride and excitement. Meanwhile, speculation is mounting around the future of Fawaaz Basadien, the experienced Stellenbosch FC left-back. The PSL standout has caught the attention of several top South African clubs, with heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates reportedly in pursuit of his signature. Despite the frenzy of transfer talk, Stellenbosch FC remains resolutely tight-lipped about the potential for a move.
IOL News
04-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
New outdoor gym revitalises underused park in Phoenix
Children enjoying the outdoor gym equipment recently installed at the School Street park in Phoenix. Image: Supplied The underused park along School Street, near Telkom Park soccer facility, in Phoenix, Milnerton, has received an upgrade with the installation of an outdoor gym, funded through the 2024/25 ward project at a cost of R190 000. Previously a hotspot for unwanted activity, the park is now set to support community health and fitness. Ward 4 councillor, Anthony Benadie, said he hopes the new equipment will be used by gym enthusiasts and the residents for workouts and training routines. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the facility responsibly and help protect it from vandalism by serving as the community's eyes and ears, he added. The location of the park, adjacent to a popular sports facility, made it an ideal site for the new outdoor fitness equipment, said Benadie. 'The addition is expected to support physical training and wellness activities for residents, while encouraging greater community use of the area,' he said. He further called on the community to take pride in the new facility. 'While enjoying the gym, I urge residents to become the eyes and ears of the community — helping to protect the space from vandalism and ensuring it remains a safe, positive environment for everyone,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Ward 4 councillor Anthony Benadie puts the new outdoor gym equipment to the test Image: SUPPLIED Phoenix Ratepayers' and Community Forum (PRCF) chairperson, Linda Mqikela, said the community was happy that the park had undergone the upgrade at last. She said while residents have the right to make use of the new equipment at the park, they also have the right to look after it. 'The new park was budgeted for exactly what it was used for,' said Mqikela Cape Argus
