Stellenbosch FC and Stellenbosch University launch women's football division

Stellies have become the latest Premier Soccer League club to enter the women's game after they acquired the status of Stellenbosch University, which contests the Western Cape division of the second-tier regional league.

Though the Hollywoodbets Super League is not yet fully professional, the move by the Cape Winelands outfit certainly shows their intent to invest in growing the women's game, which has seen Banyana Banyana rise to the summit of African women's football as recently as 2022.

“Core to our Club’s vision is to build a sustainable football pathway for the region and to be a catalyst for social upliftment,” said Rob Benadie, CEO of Stellenbosch Football Club, in a statement released on Saturday.

“We want to see the females in our catchment area provided the same opportunities as the males to play and compete at the highest levels of football in South Africa. The decision to establish a Women's team alongside Stellenbosch University is the latest step towards accomplishing that vision and is one that we are excited to see come to fruition."

lhaam Groenewald, Chief Director of Maties Sport at Stellenbosch University confirms the University’s commitment to empowering women through sport, “The partnership with Stellenbosch Football Club marks a pivotal moment in advancing women's football, with a pipeline that combines education and sport.

“Together, we are committed to building a legacy where every player identified to join the club, every goal scored, and every moment experienced becomes a step forward in creating a more inclusive and equitable world for women and girls in football.”

Experienced Head Coach Nathan Peskin will lead the Stellenbosch FC Ladies Team into their first-ever fixture this weekend when they take on Badgers FC in the opening match of Stream B in the 2024 SASOL League season.

READ: Noko Matlou: Professionalising women’s football will benefit Banyana