Betway Premiership side Stellenbosch FC have strengthened their defence with the acquisition of former Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu FC right back Wayde Jooste.
This comes after Jooste was released by AmaZulu following the expiry of his contract in June, part of a massive squad overhaul that saw 15 other players depart the club.
Usuthu finished the last season in sixth position after accumulating 35 points from 28 outings under the tutelage of Arthur Zwane. However, that was not good enough for the club’s management, who decided to cut ties with 16 players in a major squad overhaul.
The 15 other players who were shown the exit door are: Veli Mothwa, Andile Mbanjwa, Abbubaker Mobara, Sandile Khumalo, Mbongeni Gumede, Kwanda Mngonyama, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thembela Sikhakhane, Skhulile Manyoni, Rowan Human, Ethan Brooks, Augustine Mulenga, Msindisi Kunene, Junior Dion, and Boniface Haba.
In the previous season with AmaZulu, the talented defender featured in 22 games across all competitions. Following his departure from the KZN club, he had the opportunity to represent South Africa at the 2024 CHAN tournament, held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
STELLENBOSCH FC UNVEIL WAYDE JOOSTE
Having been a free agent since July 2025, Jooste has joined the Cape Winelands-based outfit, with the club confirming the 34-year-old’s arrival in a statement on Thursday morning.
“Stellenbosch Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of South Africa international defender Wayde Jooste,” said the club.
“The 34-year-old arrives in Stellenbosch with more than 200 professional appearances to his name across previous spells with Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows, Highlands Park, Orlando Pirates, Maritzburg United, and AmaZulu.
“Jooste is also a full international with South Africa and recently helped Bafana Bafana achieve a runners-up finish at the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship”
WAYDE JOOSTE’S FIRST WORDS AS STELLENBOSCH FC PLAYER
Speaking for the first time since being unveiled by Steve Barker’s side, Jooste expressed his excitement at joining a club he has long ‘admired.’
“Stellenbosch is a club that I have admired for some time. It’s a Club that has been very successful in the last few seasons, and it’s special for me to become part of that,” said Jooste.
“A few weeks ago, I got a call from Coach Steve, and he asked me if I would be interested, and I don’t even think he finished his question before I said yes.
“I’ve been praying and believing that something will come up for me, and something as good as this I could never say no to. I’m honoured and privileged to be part of the club.”
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