Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Ashley Du Preez has opened up on his homecoming to Stellenbosch FC following a four-year tenure at Naturena.
As FARPost first reported, Du Preez and defender Given Msimango made the switch back to the Winelands as part of a high-profile swap deal that saw youngster Langelihle Phili move in the opposite direction to the Soweto giants.
The 29-year-old attacker initially rose through the ranks at Stellenbosch after making his professional debut in 2016, going on to register 98 appearances across a six-year spell before earning his high-profile move to Chiefs in mid-2022.
During his four seasons at Amakhosi, Du Preez featured in the squad that brought an end to the club’s silverware drought by lifting the 2025 Nedbank Cup.
A SPECIAL HOMECOMING AND A NEW NUMBER FOR ASHLEY DU PREEZ
Officially unveiled by the Winelands outfit on Tuesday, Du Preez has been handed the club’s iconic No. 10 jersey ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
He could line up for his second Stellies debut when Steve Barker’s men travel to face Polokwane City in their Betway Premiership opener on 11 August at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Reflecting on his return to his roots, Du Preez expressed his joy at reuniting with his hometown club.
“I always knew that I would come back to Stellenbosch,” Du Preez told the club’s media. “It’s great to be back where I grew up, at the club where it all started for me, and to be part of the Stellenbosch family again.
“The community knows me well and has supported me since the start of my professional career. Being a local player and representing the club again is a huge honour and privilege. It’s an amazing feeling to be back.”
ROB BENADIE ON WHY STELLIES BROUGHT DU PREEZ BACK
Stellenbosch FC Chief Executive Officer Rob Benadie echoed the forward’s sentiments, highlighting both his emotional connection to the region and his tactical value on the pitch.
“Ashley has always held a special relationship with this club and the Stellenbosch community, so we are incredibly excited to bring him home,” Benadie said.
“He is also an exceptional footballer who has consistently proven his quality in the Betway Premiership over a number of years. We believe he will add enormous value to our squad both on and off the field.”
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