South Africans have been long-deprived of our adrenalin-infused football games. Luckily for us, the government recently lifted the ban on the sport with immediate effect. Understandably, the Stellenbosch Football Club was geared up to get back on the football pitch as soon as possible! They made their big debut at Danie Craven Stadium, which they christened as their new home grounds, on the 25th of October in an enthralling match against the Swallows. Unfortunately, the game concluded as a draw, but a lack of victory didn’t prevent their fans from showering the beloved Stellies team with a warm welcome-back and plenty of virtual love and appreciation.
The unveiling of the new Stellenbosch FC kit
Another exciting event for the locals of Stellenbosch, also revolving around the resumption of football, was the unveiling of the new Stellenbosch FC kit. The team’s home kit sports the bold colours of maroon and gold, two colours that are synonymous with the town itself. The kit features a diamond pattern to symbolise the team’s tenacity and resilience – diamonds are known to be the toughest material in the world, after all! The away kit comprises of white and gold, which the team says represents ‘the choice of champions’.
Upcoming matches
Football fans will be amped to watch the team in person, especially on their new home turf. Sadly, lockdown restrictions still prohibit watching matches at stadiums, but keep an eye out for changes in this regard. When it is deemed safe to do so, go ahead and book your tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment!
The team will be diving into their home games at the Danie Craven Stadium on the 21st of November at 15h30, taking on Chippa United, followed by a match against Cape Town City on the 12th of December at 15h30. There will also be plenty more home games to get excited about at the beginning of 2021, so even if lockdown restrictions aren’t eased before the end of the year, there will still be time to catch the team live in action.
Follow the FC on social media for updates regarding their fixtures and lockdown sporting regulations:
https://www.facebook.com/StellenboschFootballClub/
https://twitter.com/stellenboschfc
https://www.instagram.com/stellenbosch_fc/
Stellenbosch FC talks travel
The local and beloved Stellies team has said that it hopes to play a part in reviving the tourism industry, giving football fanatics yet another excuse to visit and explore the many wonders of South Africa’s favourite university town. We asked some of the individual team members about their personal ties to Stellenbosch and what they would recommend adventurous travellers add to their itinerary in between cheering at the football games (either in person or on TV, depending on what happens with lockdown restrictions, of course).
“I grew up in Stellenbosch and represented the University of Stellenbosch, so it is home and will always be a special place for me,” said Ruan Rust, Head of Performance. “Stellenbosch is obviously best-known for its wine, but it has also got a strong coffee culture now. There are tons of lovely coffee shops in town,” he adds.
For Leon Korkie, the team’s kit manager and massage therapist, it’s all about the koeksisters! He insists that all visitors grab this syrupy treat in abundance, particularly when visiting Cloetesville.
Lee Langeveldt, the club’s goalkeeper, speaks passionately about the town, stating how there are so many different aspects of it that make him proud.
“Just look at the mountains, vineyards, local attractions, sport teams, world class facilities, university, schools – the list is endless. We have one of the most beautiful towns on the continent. Breath-taking views and scenery. It is always clean and chockfull of friendly communities and helpful people,” he explains.
Lee encourages tourists to embrace the opportunity to make the most of the winelands when paying Stellies a visit, along with planning some retail therapy at the local markets, and gourmet feasts at a few of the many award-winning restaurants.
It goes without saying that the Stellenbosch FC is proud of its heritage. Almost as proud as the Stellenbosch community is of the club itself! If you are a football follower and are also in search of an incredible, hard-earned, and much-needed holiday to close off an extremely challenging year, make Stellenbosch your destination of choice. You will get the best of what local football has to offer, along with a holiday that you will remember for a very long time.