Darrel Matsheke opens up about shock Stellenbosch exit

The 26-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder joined Stellies in 2023 but left midway through the season after playing just 12 games.

He was snapped up by Motsepe Foundation Championship side Pretoria Callies, and also spent time with Kruger United on a short-term deal, but has since joined Gallants ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

A statement from Stellenbosch in March last year read: "Stellenbosch has parted ways with Darrel Matsheke by mutual agreement after the player transgressed the club's internal code of conduct."

Matsheke has since told the Sowetan: "The way I left the club wasn't nice. The main reason for my exit there was [me] being too honest.

"I always confronted the coach whenever I didn't understand things. It was not a matter of me being ill-disciplined or something.

"I have never come to training drunk or something of that nature. When I left, they told me not to speak to the media but I was later surprised by their statement [saying he had transgressed the club's code of conduct]."

Matsheke continued: "I am very happy to be back in the Premiership. I will show on the pitch how happy I am with this chance to play top-flight football again. For me, this chance is a lifeline,'' he said.

"I have made mistakes before, [and] I won't repeat those mistakes because I understand this may be my last chance in the Premiership. So, I can't afford to mess up."