Stellenbosch Football Club (SFC) reaffirmed its status as a force to be reckoned with in South African football after the club’s reserve team was crowned DStv Diski Challenge champions for the 2023-’24 season.
Led by coach Evangelos Vellios and his assistant Jason Rhoda, Stellies secured the title following a heroic 4-3 come-from-behind victory over Golden Arrows’ reserves at Tsakane Stadium on Saturday afternoon (11 May).
The triumph was fuelled by a remarkable second-half hat-trick from Khayamandi-born striker Mervin Boji, who also walked away with the Man of the Match award in recognition of his performance.
Stellenbosch FC recorded a league-record 69 points en route to winning what is the club’s second DStv Diski Challenge title, having previously been crowned champions in the 2021-’22 season.
The Maroons’ reserve team has served as a pipeline for a number of players to progress to the club’s first team in recent years, with no fewer than 10 graduates having featured for the senior side this season alone.
This includes the likes of Bafana Bafana internationals Jayden Adams, Athenkosi Mcaba and Antonio van Wyk, as well Devin Titus, Qobolwakhe Sibande, Kyle Jurgens and Boji.
Liam de Kock, Thulani Mini and reserve team captain Shaakir Ahmed all also made their first-team debuts for Stellenbosch FC this season, while Tylon Smith and Vuyolwethu Andrieas are among those waiting in the wings to follow suit.
