Stellenbosch FC reserve team coach Evangelos Vellios has described his side’s Premier League Next Generation Cup campaign as the “stuff of dreams” after returning home as champions.

Stellenbosch FC were recently crowned champions of the 2024 Premier League Next Gen competition in England after defeating a string of Premier League opponents en route to the title.

Vellios’ charges faced Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace in the group stage, before once again emerging victorious over Spurs in the final of the competition.

Recap | Stellenbosch FC crowned 2024 Premier League Next Gen champions

The 2024 edition of the Next Gen was the third time that the club competed in this prestigious tournament, and for many of the players, it was their first time traveling abroad and representing the club internationally.

“The Premier League NextGen tournament was an absolute privilege to compete in and a great opportunity for our players,” Vellios reflected upon the team’s return to South Africa.

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— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 4, 2024

“They made the whole club, their families, the community of Stellenbosch and the wider Cape Winelands, and the whole of South Africa Super proud. This tournament was another reminder for us that South Africa’s talent pool is vast and great.

“We have players from all over the country representing the club and we are really proud of everyone’s effort, and the way we conducted ourselves in a great, professional manner with dignity, respect, and above all, humility, for the opponents.

“We had four amazing games, four wins, and no goals conceded – it is just the stuff of dreams. Every player played a massive role on and off the field to ensure we achieved this amazing milestone.

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“We couldn’t have done it without support though and I would like to thank MultiChoice, the PSL, the EPL, the Reliance Foundation, and every other sponsor that made this trip a possibility for us.

“We also give a massive thank you to our supporters and the rest of the country that got behind us.”