Betway Premiership outfit Stellenbosch FC has confirmed Ashley Cupido’s season-long loan move to 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 last season’s inconsistent form. Stellenbosch endured a challenging 2025/26 campaign, struggling to establish a settled, winning team. As a result, they finished the season empty-handed and missed out on a top-eight finish.
The Western Cape outfit concluded the previous term in ninth place after collecting 37 points from 30 games. With Gavin Hunt looking to challenge for silverware next season, the veteran coach is actively ring-fencing changes in 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, loaning out Cupido to Israel after 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. During 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 goalscorer with 15 goals in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Stellenbosch confirmed Cupido’s move to Israel on Thursday afternoon, allowing the striker to search for regular playing minutes elsewhere.
STELLENBOSCH FC RELEASE ASHLEY CUPIDO
In his two seasons with Stellenbosch so far, the 25-year-old has made 77 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals, while also providing 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.”
RELATED STORY: Karim Kimvuidi bids farewell to Israel club with decision on Pirates future looming
