Stellenbosch well poised to build on last season successes, says CEO Rob Benadie

The Betway Premiership club ended in third place in the recently completed season and were losing semi-finalists in the CAF Confederation Cup.

They have so far captured Hungry Lions striker Muzomuhle Khanyi and centre-back Siviwe Nkwali from Cape Town Spurs while recent departures include Ismael Toure, Liam De Kock, Shaakir Ahmed, Brian Onyango and Sihle Nduli.

In previous seasons Stellies have been known as a selling club, and they still night lose influential defender Fawaaz Basadien, but with the core of their squad retained, Benadie is optimistic about their new campaign.

He told IOL: "I'm feeling optimistic for the season. Our squad is currently well settled and complete, but of course, it is a long transfer window and there are always a few surprises.

"There seem to be many more players released from clubs this year. We will keep abreast of player opportunities given the current marketplace.

"We will keep our feet on the ground and work smart and hard."

Benadie is eager to see how well his team will do in this season's CAF competition after gaining invaluable experience last time out, while admitting their participation comes at a cost.

"We look forward to the privilege of competing in Africa again and truly hope we can play more of the matches in the Cape this time," he said.

"It's a great tournament for the club's image, but it cost us a few million, even after reaching the semi-finals. That's not a good or sustainable model — except for the organisers."