Stellenbosch FC have completed the permanent signing of forward Ashley du Preez from Kaizer Chiefs, bringing the hometown hero back to the club where he began his professional career.
The 29-year-old has signed a long-term contract with Stellenbosch FC, four years after leaving the Cape Winelands side for Amakhosi. Du Preez, who was born in Idas Valley, made 98 appearances in all competitions during his first spell with Stellenbosch.
His return marks an emotional homecoming for a player who has remained closely connected to the club and its local community.
Du Preez joined Stellenbosch FC in 2016 and was involved in an important moment in the club’s history when he came off the bench in their first competitive fixture, against Mthatha Bucks in the National First Division 10 years ago.
After establishing himself as an important player, he earned a move to Kaizer Chiefs before the 2022/23 campaign. During his four seasons at Naturena, the forward helped Amakhosi win the 2025 Nedbank Cup.
Before his move back to Stellenbosch was confirmed, Du Preez published an emotional farewell message to Kaizer Chiefs, thanking the club for helping him realise a childhood ambition.
“After four unforgettable years, it’s time to close a chapter that has shaped me in more ways than words can express,” he wrote.
“To Kaizer Chiefs, thank you for believing in a young boy with a dream and giving me the incredible opportunity to wear the badge of the club I grew up supporting. Representing my childhood dream team has been one of the greatest honours of my life.”
The attacker also paid tribute to the coaches, team-mates and staff who supported him during his time with Kaizer Chiefs.
“Thank you to every coach, team-mate, member of staff, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of this journey. The lessons, challenges, victories, setbacks, and memories have all played a part in making me not only a better footballer, but a better person.”
Du Preez reserved particular praise for the club’s supporters.
“To the Amakhosi faithful, thank you for your unwavering support, your passion, and for standing by me through every high and low. Wearing this jersey and hearing your voices will always hold a special place in my heart.”
“As I begin a new chapter, I do so with immense gratitude and pride for everything this club has given me. Thank you, Kaizer Chiefs, for four years I’ll never forget.”
The forward said returning to Stellenbosch had always been part of his long-term plans.
“I always knew that I would come back to Stellenbosch,” he said.
“It’s great to be back where I grew up and 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, so being a local player and representing the club again is a huge honour and privilege for me. It’s an amazing feeling to be back.”
Stellenbosch FC chief executive Rob Benadie welcomed the opportunity to bring one of the club’s own players back to the Winelands.
“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, and we believe he will add enormous value to our squad both on and off the field.”
Du Preez will wear Stellenbosch’s iconic number 10 shirt and could make his return when the club travels to face Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, 11 August.
His signing is part of an increasingly busy exchange of players between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs during the current transfer window.
Winger Langelihle Phili moved from Stellenbosch FC to Kaizer Chiefs this week, while defender Given Msimango has left Amakhosi to join the Cape side on a permanent deal.
Stellenbosch FC have also confirmed the arrival of 20-year-old centre-back Gopolang Taunyane from Kaizer Chiefs, making him the third player to move between the clubs in the last two days.
George Matlou completed a switch between the two clubs earlier in the transfer window.
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