Shaakir Ahmed has signed his first professional contract with Stellenbosch FC after captaining the club’s reserve team to the DStv Diski Challenge title last season.

Ahmed joined Stellenbosch FC in 2022 when he joined the club’s reserve team and was named captain the following season, leading the team to the 2023/24 DStv Diski Challenge and Premier League Next Generation Cup titles.

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His performances throughout last season earned him his senior debut in March, when he featured as a substitute in Stellies’ 3-0 league win over Royal AM, and he has now been permanently promoted after penning his first professional contract.

“I feel really privileged to be a part of the squad and I’m excited for the season ahead,” Ahmed said. “We have a good team and I feel as though we are going to do some beautiful things together.

“The success we achieved at reserve level has really given me confidence. I now want to build on my performances with the Diski side over the last two seasons and it’s great to know that coach Steve [Barker] has seen the potential in me and trusted me enough to bring me up to the PSL side.

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“I’m hoping to bring that same energy and continue to fight for the badge. I want to establish myself in the team, get lots of minutes, and ultimately help the team achieve the goals that we have set out for the season by challenging for the league, in the cups, and in the CAF competitions.”

The 21-year-old, who operates primarily as a right-back, will wear the No. 40 jersey this season.