Quwan Plaatjies made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick on his PSL debut after netting all three goals in Stellenbosch FC’s 3-1 Betway Premiership win over Marumo Gallants.

Making his senior professional debut, Plaatjies wrote his name into the history books on Friday by becoming the first player to net a hat-trick in his maiden appearance in the competition, as well as the first player to score a hat-trick on his Stellenbosch debut.

The 20-year-old forward, who is a graduate from Stellies’ reserve team, was handed his first start by coach Gavin Hunt and rewarded the faith shown in him as early as the 13th minute when he broke the deadlock with a finessed finish into the bottom corner.

His second goal followed just before the half-hour mark when he rose highest to meet Raoul Daniels’ pin-point cross, before combining again with the winger to score a near-identical third in the second stanza to complete his remarkable hat-trick.

In achieving his feat, Plaatjies also became only the third player in Stellenbosch’s history to score a hat-trick after Stanley Muishond, who netted in the Club’s first-ever match against Mthatha Bucks in the NFD, and Iqraam Rayners, who scored five against Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership in 2024.

Plaatjies’ Man of the Match-winning performance ultimately lasted 66 minutes before he was substituted for Qobolwakhe Sibande, on loan from Petrojet, who notably made his second debut for Stellies after previously representing the Club between 2022 and 2024.