Riding on the crest of a wave of a remarkable run, Stellenbosch FC defender Ismael Toure has outlined two audacious ambitions for the impressive club.
Following their dominant 4-0 win over SuperSport United, the Cape Winelands outfit has remarkably extended their unbeaten run to a staggering 200 days and 21 matches.
At the heart of their defensive solidity is Ivorian defender Toure, who has become a symbol of the team’s resilience. They have not conceded a goal in the last four games. But Toure isn’t content with just avoiding defeat and keeping clean sheets.
In a recent interview with FARPost, the ambitious defender outlined two audacious goals for PSL side Stellenbosch FC, sending a clear message that the club is setting its sights on much bigger things.
The ambitions of the Abidjan-born star – whose story transcends the pitch – are fuelled by a remarkable journey. Hailing from a large family in Ivory Coast, Toure’s journey to professional football is a testament to perseverance and passion.
After losing his mother in 2009, Toure’s childhood and that of his seven siblings weren’t easy. Football, however, offered a beacon of hope. Inspired by his brothers, who played in local tournaments, a young Toure dreamt of one day emulating them.
“The football scene in my hometown was not developed; we played on red clay fields,” Toure tells FARPost.
Despite limited resources and the challenge of securing proper equipment, his dedication never wavered. South Africa’s vibrant football scene beckoned, and Toure was drawn to the quality and competitiveness of the league.
Stellenbosch FC’s ambitious project resonated with him after his short stint with Marumo Gallants. The 26-year-old describes the Maroons as a club with a clear vision for the future.
WHAT ARE ISMAEL TOURE’S AMBITIONS?
On the field, Toure is undoubtedly every coach’s dream. “I put the coach’s advice and instructions into practice,” he says. And those who have followed his game closely since his arrival in the DStv Premiership in 2022 will attest to the fact that his skillset extends beyond just following orders.
“I have a good reading of the game and a good recovery. I’m always there to motivate my teammates, hard on my opponent, and very technical,” explains the tough-as-teak defender.
His ambitions are equally impressive. Winning the South African league title is a short-term target, but the ultimate dream is continental glory: lifting the CAF Champions League trophy with Stellies.
While early pacesetters Mamelodi Sundowns are on the verge of clinching their seventh successive league title, the Maroons are currently second in the DStv Premiership. Their incredible run in the 2023/24 season gives them every reason to believe it is all possible.
“My short-term goal is to be champion of South Africa and in the long term to win the African Champions League with Stellenbosch FC,” he says boldly.
He has already tasted glory after lifting the Carling Knockout Cup in December 2022. With Saturday’s 4-0 thumping of Matsatsantsa, Toure and his teammates are in the semi-finals of another cup competition – the Nedbank Cup.
The defender sees Stellies boss Steve Barker as more than just a coach. “A dad of ours,” he says, “a superb coach, a motivator, a hard worker, a good advisor, a man with a big heart who dreams big with his team.”
While representing his home nation, Ivory Coast, remains an aspiration, Toure isn’t discouraged by the wait. “This is not a disadvantage. I’m just biding my time, that’s all,” he says.
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