The 2023/24 season is set to get underway on Saturday when Stellenbosch FC plays host to Orlando Pirates at the Danie Craven Stadium in the club’s opening match of the DStv Premiership campaign.

Steve Barker has compiled a 28-man squad which includes the addition of ten new signings; namely Oscarine Masuluke, Basil Mphahlele, Thabo Moloisane, Ismaël Touré, Prince Amponsah, Genino Palace, Salifu Colley, Oura Anicet, Thulani Mini and Kgaogelo Sekgota.

Kyle Jurgens, Mervin Boji, and Qobolwakhe Sibande have all been permanently promoted from the reserve team after breaking through last season, while Liam de Kock has returned from a loan spell with La Masia to work his way into the coach’s plans.

Among the notable jersey number changes is Nhlanhla Mgaga’s switch from No. 12 to No. 10, claiming the strip previously worn by 2022/23 SFC Footballer of the Year and Players’ Player of the Season, Júnior Mendieta, who has joined Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Wearing the No. 10 jersey means a lot to me,” Mgaga said. “I like to challenge myself and that’s why I decided to swap from No. 12 to No. 10, because I’ve already set my goals for the season.

“I grew up watching guys like Ronaldinho, Cesc Fàbregas and Luka Modrić. They are the players who made me fall in love with the No. 10 jersey and I know that I’m capable and willing to give my best and fight for the team in the same way.”

The Stellenbosch FC squad list for the 2023/24 season:

Goalkeepers:

No. 17 – Sage Stephens
No. 30 – Oscarine Masuluke
No. 32 – Dejean Ah Shene
N0. 35 – Lee Langeveldt (captain)

Defenders:

No. 2 – Basil Mphahlele
No. 7 – Deano van Rooyen (vice captain)
No. 21 – Fawaaz Basadien
No. 22 – Qobolwakhe Sibande
No. 24 – Thabo Moloisane
No. 26 – Athenkosi Mcaba
No. 33 – Liam De Kock
No. 38 – Prince Amponsah (foreign spot)
No. 45 – Ismael Toure (foreign spot)

Midfielders:

No. 6 – Sibongiseni Mthethwa (vice captain)
No. 8 – Sihle Nduli
No. 10 – Nhlanhla Mgaga
No. 18 – Andre de Jong (foreign spot)
No. 23 – Jayden Adams
No. 27 – Kyle Jurgens
No. 28 – Genino Palace
No. 29 – Antonio van Wyk

Forwards:

No. 9 – Iqraam Rayners
No. 11 – Salifu Colley (foreign spot)
No. 12 – Thulani Mini
No. 14 – Oura Anicet (foreign spot)
No. 19 – Mervin Boji
No. 20 – Kgaogelo Sekgota
No. 34 – Devin Titus