Lee Langeveldt’s special first trophy in almost 20 years as a professional

This comes after Stellies’ 5-4 penalty shootout victory over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout final at Moses Mabhida Stadium over the weekend.

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Langeveldt, who started his career at the now-defunct FC Fortune in 2005 and went on to a stint in Denmark, and later Santos and Golden Arrows, before ending up at Stellenbosch in 2017, shared what lifting this trophy means to him personally.

"It's 19 years in pro football, and it's my first trophy. I don't think many can say they played for 19 years, so I feel I'm still privileged and honoured to play the game I love," said Langeveldt.

"My first trophy in 19 years? This is why we play football, it's to win trophies; it's to challenge for titles, so even if it was 20 years, I would have appreciated [the journey]."

Langeveldt, who hails from Stellenbosch and has played for Idas Valley as a junior, says this also means a lot for the local community. 

He recalled how he’s had to travel around the province, country, and the world, only for him to achieve his first piece of silverware with his home team.

"I think our slogan [at Stellenbosch FC] is, 'More than football.' That's why I think Remgro [Limited] bought the club in the beginning, because there was no football teams in the Winelands area.

"And I always speak about how, when I grew up, there was no team. I had to go play for Santos back in the day. So, with the football club, it creates dreams – a dream I had, but I had to leave home early.

"So, for me, it's definitely more than a football club, and we always try and give back to the community."

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