Stellenbosch FC have re-signed forward Ashley du Preez on a permanent transfer from Kaizer Chiefs, bringing the hometown player back to the club where he began his professional career.
The 29-year-old has ended a four-year spell with the Soweto club to return to Stellenbosch, marking the start of a second chapter with the Winelands side. Du Preez originally joined Stellenbosch FC in 2016 and made 98 appearances in all competitions during his six years there.
He left for Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the 2022/23 season, but has now agreed a long-term contract to return to the Cape Winelands.
Du Preez’s move back to Stellenbosch also comes 10 years after he appeared in the club’s first competitive match. He came on as a substitute in a National First Division fixture against Mthatha Bucks.
During his four seasons with Kaizer Chiefs, Du Preez helped Amakhosi win the 2025 Nedbank Cup. He now returns to Stellenbosch with the club preparing for the 2026/27 season.
The attacker, who was born in Idas Valley, said a return to his former club had always been in his thoughts.
“I always knew that I would come back to Stellenbosch,” Du Preez 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 CEO Rob Benadie described Du Preez’s return as an important moment for both the player and the local community.
“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 FC’s iconic No 10 shirt during the 2026/27 campaign. He could make his second debut for the club when they host Polokwane City in their next Betway Premiership match on Tuesday, 11 August.
His return follows the departure of winger Langelihle Phili, who recently completed a move in the opposite direction to Kaizer Chiefs. The two clubs have therefore exchanged attacking players ahead of the new campaign.
The transfer is the latest agreement between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs. Defender Given Msimango has also joined the Winelands club on a permanent transfer from Amakhosi.
Du Preez’s return gives Stellenbosch an experienced forward with a strong connection to the club and the surrounding community, while also reuniting the player with the side that gave him his first opportunity in professional football.
WIN R5 000: Take The South African’s Winter Reader Survey
