Following the formation of the Stellenbosch Football Club Ladies team, here’s all you need to know about the squad that will compete in the SASOL Women’s League this season.

Sellenbosch Football Club officially announced the launch of its new Ladies’ team ahead of the 2024 SASOL Women’s League campaign after purchasing the franchise status of neighbouring partners, Stellenbosch University.

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Led by head coach Nathan Peskin, the new-look side took to the field for the first time earlier this month when they recorded a 0-0 draw away to Badgers FC, before marking their first home match with a 3-0 win over Azzurro Academy at Lentelus Sportsgrounds last week.

“This is an immensely exciting time and I think it is the best opportunity that has come around for women’s football in the Western Cape,” Peskin said.

“Stellenbosch FC deserves credit for taking the initiative to form the team and to create a fantastic platform for young girls and women from the region to develop and be part of something that will grow massively in the future.

“Being part of the journey from the start is the most exciting challenge that I’ve had in my career, and I’m really honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to lead the structure,” he added.

“Management has made it clear that they have ambitious plans for the Ladies team going forward and any girl that is growing up in football right now will want to be part of this opportunity.

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“The club’s PSL and DDC teams are both performing well so these players have a lot to aspire to and a standard to uphold, which is good because they know there is a next level and that they have the support of the club to get there.

“As far as the team’s ambitions go, we’re not here to fill numbers. We’ve gone out on a limb and tried to build a quality side, and we have full intentions of trying to compete this season.

“We’re looking to instill a winning culture from the onset and to build a strong side that plays good football and is as competitive as possible. We just need to give the best account of ourselves and the rest will follow.

“If that means we win the league this season, great. If it means we do well enough to build a stronger platform for next year, then that is also good enough.

“The club has given us the time to build and establish a quality side, and the long-term goal is definitely to become a top-flight side.”

Peskin is supported by assistant coach Allan Theunissen, conditioning coach Kristen Block, and team manager Ilze Jones, while PSL goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt will provide assistance as the goalkeeper coach for the team.

The 2024 Stellenbosch FC Ladies squad:

Goalkeepers:

Chrizaan Smith*
Mbali Radebe*

Defenders:

Mantombi Jingqi
Lelethu Daniso*
Ashulita Hartogh*
Ongeziwe Shenxani*
Tanisha Williams*
Kelso Peskin
Raeesah Satarien

Midfielders:

Zelda Fransman
Christelene Jantjies*
Tercia van Wyk*
Nomthandoso Mokwena*
Victoria Dalkarl (Finland)*
Anelisiwe Ngcobo*
Luna November*
Astria Boks
Jordan Baartman
Aaqilah Alfreds
Karen Jansen
Abongile Mbau

Forwards:

Lelethuthando Mthembu
Colleen Armoed*
Dione Louw
Chelsea Petersen
Azuzile Magqaka*
Nolubabalo Sishuba

Technical team:

Head coach: Nathan Peskin
Assistant coach: Allan Theunissen
Team manager: Ilze Jones
Performance coach: Kristen Block
Goalkeeper coach: Lee Langeveldt

*Player hails from the Stellenbosch or Cape Winelands region, and/or is based at Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch FC Fixture List:

27/04/2024 | Badgers FC v Stellenbosch FC (0-0)
03/05/2024 | Stellenbosch FC v Azzurro Academy (3-0)
10/06/2024 | Stellenbosch FC v Mbekweni Sundowns
18/05/2024 | RV United v Stellenbosch FC
24/05/2024 | Stellenbosch FC v Cape Town Roses
09/06/2024 | Magic Ladies v Stellenbosch FC
14/06/2024 | Stellenbosch FC v Portia FC
22/06/2024 | Santos FC v Stellenbosch FC
05/07/2024 | Stellenbosch FC v Badgers FC
14/07/2024 | Azzurro Academy v Stellenbosch FC
20/07/2024 | Mbekweni Sundowns v Stellenbosch FC
26/07/2024 | Stellenbosch FC v RV United
04/08/2024 | Cape Town Roses c Stellenbosch FC
23/08/2024 | Stellenbosch FC v Magic Ladies
01/09/2024 | Portia FC v Stellenbosch FC
06/09/2024 | Stellenbosch FC v Santos FC

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The Stellenbosch FC Ladies team will officially be introduced to the public on Wednesday evening during the PSL side’s DStv Premiership encounter against AmaZulu at Danie Craven Stadium.

They will also will be in action again this Friday when they welcome local rivals Mbekweni Sundowns to Lentelus for the first-ever derby meeting between the two sides. Kick-off for the match is scheduled for 19h30 and fans are encouraged to come out in their numbers to show their support.