Stellenbosch defender Luthando Vena attracts interest from Belgium and MLS

Stellenbosch and South Africa U23 defender Luthando Vena is being monitored by Belgian Pro League club SV Zulte Waregem after making an impressive early impact in senior football.

The 19-year-old centre-back has become an important part of Stellenbosch’s plans after progressing through the club’s academy. A local talent from Kayamandi, Vena joined the set-up at the age of 16 and quickly moved through the ranks.

He signed his first professional contract at the end of July following a strong campaign in the DStv Diski Challenge.

“It’s a great honour for me to sign my first professional contract with Stellenbosch FC,” Vena said at the time. “I worked hard for this, and I’m happy that I’m able to make my mother proud.”

Vena has since established himself in Gavin Hunt’s defence, playing every minute of Stellenbosch’s league campaign so far.

His performances also earned him a place in the South Africa U23 squad. He made his debut for the national team in the 3-1 victory over Algeria in Bloemfontein this past week.

The defender’s rapid progress has drawn comparisons with former Stellenbosch player Olwethu Makhanya, who secured a move abroad after only one season in the first team.

According to iDiski Times, SV Zulte Waregem are keeping track of Vena ahead of the January transfer window.

Several Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs are also understood to have enquired about his availability. The recent progress of Makhanya and Mbekezeli Mbokazi has increased attention on the Premier Soccer League as a source of defensive talent for possible moves to the United States of America.

Vena is one of several young players to have moved into Stellenbosch’s first-team set-up from the DStv Diski Challenge this season.

Quwan Plaatjies and Raoul Daniels have also made an impression since earning their respective promotions, highlighting the club’s continued development of local players.