Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen backs Ashley Du Preez to revive career at Stellenbosch FC

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen believes Ashley Du Preez’s return to Stellenbosch FC can help the forward rebuild his confidence and rediscover the form that first earned him a move to Amakhosi.

Du Preez has left Kaizer Chiefs after four difficult seasons with the Soweto club, returning to Stellenbosch FC, where his professional career in the Premier Soccer League began. The move gives him the chance to reset and regain the form that made him one of the league’s most exciting attackers.

As part of the transfer, Kaizer Chiefs signed winger Langelihle Phili in a deal involving Du Preez and defender Given Msimango.

Du Preez made a strong impression during his first spell at Stellenbosch FC, but struggled to reproduce those performances after joining Kaizer Chiefs. His confidence appeared to suffer, particularly in front of goal, where he missed chances he might previously have been expected to convert comfortably.

Petersen, who played alongside Du Preez at Kaizer Chiefs, believes the 29-year-old can use the experience to grow and make a fresh start at a familiar club.

“I think it was unfortunate for him that his time at Chiefs wasn’t he had hoped for. But I always says that there are chapters in our careers that build us as players. Some are not good ones for us, but it shapes us into the people we become and the players we become,” Petersen said.

The goalkeeper feels Du Preez can take valuable lessons from his time at Kaizer Chiefs while drawing confidence from the successful period he enjoyed at Stellenbosch FC.

“I am sure that there are a lot of lessons from his time at Chiefs, and the good moments I am sure he will carry for the rest of his career. I think going back home to the team where it really went well is important for him and his career, to go back and reset and try to find the Ashley that we all know and dishing out the performances that we all know he can. I am hopeful. I know that for sure he is going to have a great season at Stellenbosch and we will be watching and obviously meet him in the tunnel.”

There is a recent example of a player benefiting from a return to Stellenbosch FC. Iqraam Rayners rejoined the Cape Winelands side from SuperSport United in 2023 after finding life difficult with Matsatsantsa.

Rayners quickly rediscovered his best form and became a key figure for Stellenbosch FC. His displays eventually earned him a move to Mamelodi Sundowns, where he has since become an African champion and competed at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Du Preez will now hope to follow a similar path. Having returned to the club where he first established himself in the PSL, he has the opportunity to rebuild his confidence and remind supporters why Kaizer Chiefs were initially eager to sign him.

Whether the move produces the same revival as Rayners’ return remains to be seen, but Petersen is confident Du Preez can enjoy a successful season with Stellenbosch FC.