Ashley Du Preez has been given the number 10 shirt on his return to Stellenbosch FC after Kaizer Chiefs used the striker as part of their efforts to sign Langelihle Phili.
The 27-year-old forward has made a surprise return to the Winelands-based club after Chiefs agreed to let him go back to Stellenbosch. Du Preez was willing to make the move, which formed part of Amakhosi’s attempt to persuade attacker Phili to join them at Naturena.
Du Preez spent six seasons with Stellenbosch FC before moving to Kaizer Chiefs four years ago. His return now brings to an end a spell at the Soweto giants during which he made 98 appearances, most of them in his first three campaigns.
The striker was used only sparingly last season, and his limited involvement suggested that his time at Kaizer Chiefs was coming to an end. He was also left out of the squad that travelled to Spain for the club’s pre-season camp, alongside several other players who have since departed.
His return to Stellenbosch FC will see him take on the number 10 shirt and reunite with a number of familiar faces, including former Kaizer Chiefs team-mate George Matlou.
Matlou joined Stellenbosch during the current transfer window after being deemed surplus to requirements by Kaizer Chiefs’ new technical team. However, Stellenbosch FC manager Gavin Hunt believed the midfielder could still make an important contribution and wanted him to strengthen the team’s midfield for the new season.
Stellenbosch have also added another former Kaizer Chiefs player to their squad, with Given Msimango unveiled on Tuesday following his arrival from Naturena.
Du Preez’s return represents the latest movement between the two clubs during the transfer window. While Kaizer Chiefs have allowed several players to leave, they have also been pursuing additions to their attacking options, with Phili one of the players they have targeted.
For Stellenbosch, the arrival of Du Preez restores a player who was already familiar with the club after six seasons there. His allocation of the number 10 shirt underlines his importance to the team as they prepare for the new campaign.
The move also gives Du Preez an opportunity to revive his career after a difficult final season with Kaizer Chiefs, where his appearances became increasingly limited. He will now look to establish himself again at the club where he previously spent the bulk of his senior career.
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