Stellenbosch FC’s U-14 team will travel to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia this weekend to compete in the 2025 edition of the Mahd Intercontinental Cup.

Stellies’ youngsters will round out the 2025 calendar year with an exciting trip to the Middle East, where they will take part in the second annual Mahd Intercontinental Cup between 8-14 December.

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The team from the Cape Winelands is one of four clubs taking part in the competition alongside Ascoli Calcio 1898 of Italy, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense of Costa Rica, and the hosts, Mahd Sports Academy.

Stellenbosch FC’s fixtures:

• Tuesday, 9 December 2025 – 16h45 (SAST) vs Ascoli Calcio 1898 (Italy)
• Wednesday, 10 December 2025 – 14h45 (SAST) vs Liga Deportiva Alajuelense (Costa Rica)
• Thursday, 11 December 2025 – 16h45 (SAST) vs Mahd Sports Academy (Saudi Arabia)
• Friday, 12 December 2025 – Bronze and Gold finals (TBC)

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“It’s a huge privilege and honour to be taking part in the competition, and an exciting opportunity for us and our young boys to gauge our on-field performances with the rest of the world,” Stellenbosch FC U-14 coach, Sylvin Thomas said.

“It’s a chance to assess the level that our Academy is operating at and, of course, to go and compete, put in good performances, and represent our country and continent with pride.

“As a coach, I am personally excited to see the structures in place on the other side of the world, and to observe and learn from how they do things. Hopefully, we can come back with better ideas that we can also implement in our Academy to help with the growth and holistic development of our youth players.”

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The Stellenbosch FC playing squad:

Umair Diedericks
Quincy van der Merwe
Jawaad Stephens
Sandisele Mzinzili
Muhammad Ra’eed Petrus
Simthandile Jacu
Avethandwa Rali
Christopher Junior Rayners
Matteo Daniels
Faakhir Khan
Shuaib Christians
Onamandla Galawe
Kungawo Mgqibeliso
Steven Bickerstaff
Jalyim-Lee Malgas
Someleze Osemudiamen Oyimeoya
Aminathi Gudla
Torique Farao
Mason Dido
Kieran Daniels

The Stellenbosch FC technical and support staff:

Jason Rhoda (General Manager)
Jean-Pierre Farrugia (Head of Academy)
Sylvin Thomas (U-14 Head Coach)
Chris Joubert (U-14 Assistant Coach)
Thulani Mapoyi
Tembani Mini
Roger Cupido
Vernon Williams
Morne Crumpton
Hilda du Toit
Ghouwa Manuel

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Notable teams that have previously participated in the tournament include Juventus and AS Roma (Italy), FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, and Villarreal (Spain), Manchester City (England), PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente (Netherlands), SL Benfica (Portugal), Olympique de Marseille (France), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), among others.