Former Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] defender Gopolang Taunyana has opened up following his permanent transfer to Betway Premiership side Stellenbosch FC.
This comes shortly after Amakhosi confirmed the departure of the South African youth international on Tuesday night, ahead of the new DDC campaign.
Taunyana played a vital role in helping the Chiefs’ reserve team seal a historic DDC league title during the 2024/25 season, bringing an end to the club’s decade-long trophy drought in the reserve division.
On Wednesday morning, Stellenbosch officially announced the signing of the centre-back on a permanent deal from the Soweto giants, as first reported by FARPost.
KAIZER CHIEFS BID FAREWELL TO GOPOLANG TAUNYANA
In an official statement released on Tuesday, Chiefs expressed their gratitude to the young defender as he departs Naturena.
“Every journey begins with a dream, and today another chapter begins,” reads the statement from the Glamour Boys.
“Thank you, Gopolang Taunyana, for your dedication, commitment, and the passion you showed every time you wore the Kaizer Chiefs Reserves badge. It has been a privilege to be part of your journey, and we are proud to have watched you grow both as a player and as a person.
“As you take this next step in your career, know that you leave with our gratitude and best wishes. May this new opportunity bring continued growth, success, and many memorable moments on and off the pitch. All the very best in your new adventure, Gopolang.”
GOPOLANG TAUNYANA ‘EXCITED’ BY STELLENBOSCH FC MOVE
Speaking after finalising his move to the Cape Winelands outfit, the 20-year-old expressed his delight at taking the next step in his professional development.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, for the opportunity, because I am very excited to join Stellenbosch FC,” said Taunyana.
“This is a team that is well known for development and having great facilities and coaches, so I’m grateful to be here.
“Growing as a player and a person is the most important thing for me, and I felt that this was the right step for my career and the right environment for me to grow. This is an environment where a lot of players have shone in the past, so I’m excited to go on that journey now as well.”
Taunyana added: “For the team, the thing that makes people the happiest is to compete with the best, win trophies and ultimately succeed as a team, so I hope to be able to look back one day and say we achieved that together.”
The promising defender will wear the number 21 shirt for the Winelands side. In addition, he could make his official debut when the Gavin Hunt-led side face Polokwane City FC in their Betway Premiership tie on Tuesday, 11 August.
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