Stellies’ international cohort are set to return from national duty this week. Here is how they fared during the international break.

South Africa Men’s National Team

The South African men’s national team extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches across all competitions after recording back-to-back wins over Lesotho and Benin in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Stellenbosch FC left-back Fawaaz Basadien started and finished both matches and helped Bafana Bafana keep consecutive clean sheets, while also recording an assist for Lyle Foster’s goal in the latter victory. Club teammate Thabo Moloisane was an unused substitute in both encounters.

Kenya Men’s National Team

Returning to the Harambee Stars team for the first time since October 2023, Brian Onyango started and played the full 90 minutes as Kenya twice came from behind to record a 3-3 draw against Gambia in their World Cup qualifier. In doing so, the veteran centre-back became the third foreign player to represent their country while on the books of Stellenbosch FC, after Nathan Sinkala (Zambia) and Ally Msengi (Tanzania).

Zimbabwe Men’s National Team

Stellies were also represented in the backroom as first-team goalkeeper coach Pernell McKop was called up to support his native Zimbabwe national team. The Warriors, who are in the same World Cup qualifying group as South Africa, played out a 2-2 draw against Benin before holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening.

South Africa U-20 Men’s National Team

Ahead of the U-20 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa’s youngsters took on Botswana in back-to-back friendlies in Johannesburg. Stellenbosch FC had three representatives in the squad, including Langelihle Phili who scored in both matches as South Africa recorded 6-0 and 4-1 victories. Tylon Smith and Faiz Abrahams also featured, including starting berths in the first encounter. The trio were also ably supported by Stellies’ youth goalkeeper coach Morne Crumpton who served in the same capacity for the national side.