Stellies credit tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenge for their strong development output

This is according to Stellies Head of Youth administration, Morné Crumpton, who was speaking during the draw of the U18 tournament in Cape Town.

One of the biggest success stories of Stellies this season was having their development product, Jayden Adams, in the Bafana Bafana team that returned with a bronze medal at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Côte D'Ivoire.

Something that is pushing Crumpton and his colleagues to do more.

"The secret, that's a difficult one but again it comes down to making sure that we are all aligned. I think that's the most important part. That we stick together as a unit. You know the likes of Jayden Adams, they came through the ranks as well, playing in the first team, getting his debut for Bafana Bafana as well,” Crumpton.

“You know, he's a role model, he's the youngster that comes from the town itself. He came through the academy setup and it's people like him that motivate the rest of us and the rest of the players that look up to him that there is ambition, there is opportunity, there is growth and hopefully we'll see many more that will come through the system."

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Steve Barkers’ side achieved a momentous milestone this season, basking in the glory of their first silverware in the top flight as they triumphantly lifted the Carling Knockout trophy.

Their journey doesn't stop there, as they set their sights on their maiden CAF Confederation Cup title after a commendable third-place finish in the DStv Premiership. Crumpton, with a sense of pride, attributes this success to the club's strong vision under the leadership of Stellies CEO Rob Bernadie.

"I think it's our fifth season that we've been established and with most of that, we are growing each year. I wouldn't say boundaries but there are stepping stones that we are working towards and I think coming into the academy from a young age from under12 right up to under 18s. We have fairly small squads and I think that plays a major role that gives everybody an opportunity but everyone understands the progress that needs to be made, it's a stepping stone,” he added.

“If you look in the last couple of years, they've been quite a few number of players that have come from our youth structures to our DDC, to our PSL. We've really been blessed this year that we've really had a good year. It comes back from the leadership of the club itself. It comes back from the coaching staff that have put the effort behind the scenes. The people that work together, the alignment that works together."