Stellenbosch FC has confirmed Ashley Cupido’s season-long loan move to the Israeli side Kiryat Yam for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Winelands-based side is reshaping its squad for the upcoming campaign in a bid to improve on its inconsistent run of last season.
Stellenbosch had a challenging run in the 2025/26 season, struggling to establish a consistent winning team. As a result, Stellenbosch missed out on all trophies on offer while failing to qualify for the top eight on the league table.
The Western Cape outfit finished the previous campaign in ninth position after collecting 37 points in 30 games. With Gavin Hunt looking to compete for trophies next season, the veteran coach is making changes to the Stellenbosch squad.
The 2023 Carling Knockout Cup champions already parted ways with big names such as Olisa Ndah, Wayde Jooste, and Oscarine Masuluke, while Thabo Moloisane and Mthetheleli Mthiyane joined Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, respectively.
Stellenbosch has announced the departure of yet another first-team star after loaning out Cupido to Israel following his challenging spell at the club.
The talented striker has struggled to stamp his authority after signing with Stellies in July 2024 from Cape Town Spurs. In his spell with the Urban Warriors, Cupido showcased his qualities in front of goal, notably finishing the 2022/23 season as the club’s top goal scorer with 15 goals in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Stellenbosch confirmed Cupido’s move to Israel on Thursday afternoon, allowing the Bafana Bafana international to search for regular playing minutes elsewhere.
STELLENBOSCH FC RELEASE ASHLEY CUPIDO
In his two seasons with Stellenbosch, the 25-year-old has featured in 77 appearances across all competitions, scored six goals and provided five assists.
“Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido has joined Israeli second division side Kiryat Yam on loan for the duration of the 2026-27 season,” the club said on its website.
“Cupido will spend the upcoming campaign abroad after completing a season-long loan to Kiryat Yam, which finished sixth in the Liga Leumit last term.
“The Bafana Bafana international becomes the third player to move from Stellenbosch to Israel in recent years, following previous spells in the country for Ibraheem Jabaar and Faiz Abrahams.
“He joined Stellenbosch FC from Cape Town Spurs in 2024 and has scored six goals in 77 appearances across all competitions to date. The club will continuously monitor Cupido’s progress and wishes him all the best during his loan spell.”
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