The Stellenbosch football club is pleased to announce that the newly renovated Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch will host its home matches for the DStv Premiership 2020/2021 PSL season. The opening fixture behind-closed-doors takes place this Sunday 25th October against Moroka Swallows FC.
Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS), the owners of Stellenbosch FC (SFC), and Stellenbosch University, have embarked on a strategic partnership to uplift football in the Winelands. The partnership not only sees the PSL Club utilise the University's excellent facilities as training base and match venue, but also details plans to uplift the quality of football at the University and create a holistic pathway for talented football players, support staff and administrators.
SAS and Club CEO Rob Benadie says: “Our Club's strategic plan was fast-tracked with our elevation last year to the PSL. Fortunately, we are based in a Town with a rich sport heritage and have the University and other key stakeholders partnering with us to assist our continued growth. It is incredible to see how excited the Town is about the SFC brand and the prospect of building a home fortress at the iconic Danie Craven Stadium. We hope to add to the incredible history that Maties Rugby has created and continues to create at this venue. The Club sincerely thanks Messrs Rupert and Durand from Remgro and Prof Stan du Plessis and his Executives at the University in making this dream a reality."
Chief Operating Officer of the University, Professor Stan Du Plessis says: “It is incredibly exciting to welcome our partners, Stellenbosh FC, to the Danie Craven Stadium. Let's bring the same home ground advantage to Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven as we have done for decades with Maties rugby. I hope that these home games will inspire especially young supporters to play at the highest level, along an aspirational path where Maties Football and Stellenbosch FC will both play a crucial role."
The long-awaited home venue brings excitement to the club who will finally be able to host its home fixtures in the town of Stellenbosch after going the entire 2019/2020 Premiership season without a designated home stadium. Students and sport followers will now be able to enjoy quality rugby and football at the historic and beautiful dual-purpose stadium.
Club General Manager Garth Le Roux says: “Due to Covid-19 regulations unfortunately no spectators will be allowed in the Stadium on opening day. This is a huge moment for us as a club and we would have loved to have shared it with our loyal supporters and the broader Stellenbosch community, however, due to circumstances this is not possible. We look forward to welcoming the supporters to regular PSL football in Stellenbosch in the near future."
Photo caption:
Stellenbosch FC players pose in their new kit at Danie Craven Stadium. From left: Zitha Macheke, Marc Van Heerden, Lee Langeveldt, Robyn Johannes, Ashley Du Preez and Sibusiso Mthethwa. Photo: Courtney Williams.
