Stellenbosch FC reserve team coach Evangelos Vellios has labeled his side’s participation in the Premier League Next Gen Cup as a privilege and honour ahead of their departure next week.

For the third time in as many years, Stellenbosch FC will compete in the international Premier League Next Generation Cup when the Young Maroons travel to the United Kingdom next week.

Stellies, who were crowned champions in 2022 and runners-up last year, have been pitted against tough competition in this year’s tournament, featuring in Group A alongside Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace.

Read | Stellies to take on Premier League giants in Next Gen Cup

“Competing in the Premier League Next Gen Cup for the third time in three years is just an awesome privilege for our players and for our club,” Vellios said.

“It’s a great opportunity for our brand, town, and supporters to represent South Africa in such a great tournament.

“We did really well in the last two years, winning one edition and reaching the final of the other while competing against teams like Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“Now we have the opportunity to compete against the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton, which is just a dream come true for our boys.

“It gives them the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best young players in the world, if you consider the stature of the Premier League, and against teams from India who have shown tremendous growth in their football.

Read | Stellies’ traveling squad for the 2024 Premier League Next Gen Cup

“We’ve had some very tough games against them in the past as well and those contrasting styles help the players to test themselves against international players and on an international stage, with all the pressures that come with that.

“We’re very excited to learn and grow, for us as the coaches through our interactions and at the academies that we visit, and for the players and their overall development as footballers and as human beings. ”

All matches will be televised live on SuperSport Schools, channel 216.