Stellenbosch Football Club can confirm that defender Ismaël Touré has completed a permanent transfer to UAE Pro League side Baniyas.

Toure leaves Stellenbosch after two successful seasons in which he made 76 appearances across all competitions, helping the club win the Carling Knockout in 2023, reach the MTN8 final in 2024, and progress to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final earlier this year.

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The Ivorian centre-back famously scored the equalising goal in the aforementioned Knockout final against TS Galaxy as Stellies went on to win their first-ever top-flight trophy at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, cementing his status in the club’s folklore.

Everyone at Stellenbosch FC would like to thank Ismaël for his service to the club and wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his career in the United Arab Emirates.