Ashley Du Preez returns to Stellenbosch FC after four-year Kaizer Chiefs spell

Ashley Du Preez has sent an emotional farewell message to Kaizer Chiefs after completing a permanent move back to boyhood club Stellenbosch FC.

The 29-year-old forward came through Stellenbosch FC’s youth system and made his senior debut for the club in 2016. He went on to make 98 appearances for Stellenbosch FC before joining Kaizer Chiefs in 2022.

Du Preez spent four years at Naturena, making 96 appearances and contributing 19 goals and nine assists. During his time with the club, he also helped Kaizer Chiefs win the Nedbank Cup.

His return to Stellenbosch FC was officially confirmed on 4 August 2026, prompting Du Preez to thank everyone at Kaizer Chiefs for giving him the opportunity to represent the club he had supported since childhood.

“After four unforgettable years, it’s time to close a chapter that has shaped me in more ways than words can express,” he wrote on social media.

“To Kaizer Chiefs, thank you for believing in a young boy with a dream and giving me the incredible opportunity to wear the badge of the club I grew up supporting. Representing my childhood dream team has been one of the greatest honours of my life.

“Thank you to every coach, teammate, member of staff, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of this journey. The lessons, challenges, victories, setbacks, and memories have all played a part in making me not only a better footballer, but a better person.

“To the Amakhosi faithful, thank you for your unwavering support, your passion, and for standing by me through every high and low. Wearing this jersey and hearing your voices will always hold a special place in my heart.

“As I begin a new chapter, I do so with immense gratitude and pride for everything this club has given me. Thank you, Kaizer Chiefs, for four years I’ll never forget.”

Du Preez leaves Kaizer Chiefs having experienced both the demands and rewards of playing for one of South Africa’s most prominent clubs. His spell included a major domestic cup success, while his 19 goals and nine assists came across 96 appearances for the Amakhosi.

He now returns to Stellenbosch FC, where his senior career began after progressing through the club’s youth ranks. The move brings him back to the side for whom he first established himself as a professional footballer, before his transfer to Kaizer Chiefs four years ago.

His farewell message focused on the people who supported him during his time at Naturena, including coaches, team-mates, staff and the Kaizer Chiefs supporters. Du Preez said the experience had shaped him both as a player and as a person.

The transfer also marks the latest stage of a senior career that has seen him represent Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs, while remaining closely connected to the club where his football journey began.