Stellenbosch FC have confirmed that talented defender Ismael Toure has completed a move to the UAE top division side FC Baniyas.
Toure, who has been an integral part of the Stellies team under head coach Steve Barker, is moving to the Middle East for the 2025/26 campaign.
The highly-rated defender spent two seasons with Stellenbosch after joining from Marumo Gallants in July 2023. In his stay with the Winelands side, Toure established himself as a regular starter at the heart of defence.
At Stellenbosch, the 27-year-old made 76 appearances across all competitions. He scored two goals and provided two assists. In addition, Toure played the crucial role for Stellenbosch to win their maiden trophy in the South African top-flight after clinching the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup.
The former ASEC Mimosa centre-back found the back of the net in the final as the Western Cape outfit defeated TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties. In 90 minutes, the match ended in a 1-1 scoreline.
In the previous season, Toure was also key when Stellenbosch reached the MTN8 final, where they lost 3-1 against Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in October 2024.
ISMAEL TOURE FORMED A SOLID COMBINATION WITH THABO MOLOISANE
The Ivorian international has formed a solid defensive pairing with Thabo Moloisane, which saw Stellenbosch finish third on the league table and also reach the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final last campaign.
In a surprising transfer move, the Maroons announced the departure of Toure, confirming his move to the United Arab Emirates.
“Stellenbosch Football Club can confirm that defender Ismaël Touré has completed a permanent transfer to UAE Pro League side Baniyas,” the club said on Saturday.
“Toure leaves Stellenbosch after two successful seasons in which he made 76 appearances across all competitions, helping the club win the Carling Knockout in 2023, reach the MTN8 final in 2024, and progress to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final earlier this year.
“The Ivorian centre-back famously scored the equalising goal in the aforementioned Knockout final against TS Galaxy as Stellies went on to win their first-ever top-flight trophy at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, cementing his status in the club’s folklore.
“Everyone at Stellenbosch FC would like to thank Ismaël for his service to the club and wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his career in the United Arab Emirates.”
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