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Emotional Jooste reflects on 10-month exile after Stellies debut

Wayde Jooste moments before his Stellenbosch FC debut in the Betway Premiership against Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 20 January 2026. Image: thereal_waydejooste/ Instagram

New Stellenbosch FC defender Wayde Jooste has revealed why he was emotional as he made his debut for Maroons in the 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.

The former Orlando Pirates full-back joined Stellies in December after nearly six months without a club. The Gqeberha-born star played 84 minutes before making way for Siviwe Nkwali.

Jooste’s last football match was on March 29, 2025, a 2-1 loss for AmaZulu in his hometown.

Speaking to the Stellenbosch FC media team, the 34-year-old said that the moment carried personal meaning after months of training alone while waiting for another opportunity. For Jooste, simply getting back onto the pitch was a challenge overcome, before the result even came into focus.

WAYDE JOOSTE: I WAS TRAINING ON MY OWN DAILY FOR MONTHS

The former Golden Arrows, Royal AM and Highlands Park footballer said the win, achieved away from home against title-chasing opposition, gave the squad renewed belief heading into the second half of the campaign.

“It was an amazing feeling being back on the pitch,” he said. “I had been without a team for a while and was training on my own daily for months. For me, to have gotten through that to make my debut for Stellenbosch is all glory to God.

Wayde Jooste makes his debut for Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership against Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 20 January 2026. Image: Stellenbosch FC

“It was a bit emotional after those challenges, but I’m so happy for the team and the Club that we were able to pick up the win. We know we’re not where we are supposed to be and that this is a step in the right direction.

“It’s the type of performance and result that gives us inspiration for the second half of the season. We could feel that in the dressing room after the game.

“Playing away in this league isn’t easy. We were up against a team that is up there fighting for the title. So beating them in their own backyard is something that should give us a lot of confidence moving forward.

“Now it’s up to us to focus on the next game and keep improving. Hopefully, we will reap the rewards of the hard work we’re putting in,” Jooste concluded.