Veteran South African defender Wayde Jooste shares excitement after Stellenbosch FC switch

Veteran South African defender Wayde Jooste has shared his excitement after joining Stellenbosch FC.

The 34-year-old joins the South African side as a free agent and is expected to play a huge role for the club.

Jootse, who was shown the exit door in the summer by AmaZulu FC was part of South Africa squad for the CHAN tournament, held in mid 2025.

“Stellenbosch is a Club that I have admired for some time,” Jooste said. “It’s a Club that has been very successful in the last few seasons, and it’s special for me to become part of that.

“A few weeks ago, I got a call from Coach Steve, and he asked me if I would be interested, and I don’t even think he finished his question before I said yes.

“I’ve been praying and believing that something will come up for me, and something as good as this I could never say no to. I’m honoured and privileged to be part of the Club.”

In him, Stellenbosch FC have found an experienced campaigner and a player who can boost their quest to move away from the relegation quagmire as Stellies are third from bottom.

He arrives at Stellenbosch with over 200 professional appearances to his name across previous spells with Bloemfontein Celtic, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Highlands Park, Pirates, Maritzburg United, and most recently AmaZulu.

Jootse is in the twilight stage of his career, with Stellenbosch move seen as his final professional contract.

He could be in line to make his debut for Stellenbosch FC when the team returns to action to take on Sekhukhune United on 20 January 2026.