Devin Titus joins MAS Fes after emotional Stellenbosch FC departure

Devin Titus has described his departure from Stellenbosch FC as “emotional” after completing a permanent move to Moroccan champions Maghreb Association Sportive de Fes (MAS Fes).

The 25-year-old winger completed the transfer over the weekend, ending a spell with Stellenbosch FC that began in the club’s development ranks and lasted throughout his professional career.

Titus made 176 appearances for the Maroons, scoring 36 goals. His final goal for the club came in the Betway Premiership away to Polokwane City last week.

He leaves Stellenbosch FC as the club’s second most-capped player and second highest all-time goalscorer. During his time in the Winelands, Titus helped the side win a Carling Cup medal and also played in their run to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Although his move takes him away from South Africa, Titus believes he is departing with Stellenbosch FC in a stronger position. He is also relishing the opportunity to represent MAS Fes in the CAF Champions League.

“It’s an emotional feeling for me to leave Stellenbosch,” said Titus in his farewell interview with Stellies.

“Stellenbosch is a team that gave me the opportunity to become a professional footballer and I will always be grateful for that, but I’m excited to join MAS Fes. They are the Moroccan champions and one of the biggest clubs in Africa.

“So I’m excited to experience a new challenge and test myself at this level. There will never be a right or perfect time to leave Stellenbosch but it has always been important for me that if I left, I would do it after leaving the club in a better position.

“We’ve achieved incredible things together and last season I couldn’t just leave because we were fighting against relegation at one point, so it was important for me to stay and help the team and I believe I have done that.

“Now it will be my first time playing outside of the Betway Premiership so it’s a chance for me to feel what it’s like to play in a different country, to play in the Champions League and to compete at the highest level in African football and hopefully I am able to carry the flag abroad.”

Titus said there had never been an ideal moment to end his association with Stellenbosch FC, but insisted that leaving the club in a healthier position was a key consideration.

The winger chose to remain with the team last season when it was involved in a relegation battle, believing his experience could help the club recover. He now feels he has fulfilled that responsibility before beginning a new chapter in Morocco.

His move to MAS Fes will be his first experience of playing outside the Betway Premiership. The transfer also gives him the chance to compete in the CAF Champions League and measure himself against the leading teams in African football.