Ashley Du Preez bids emotional farewell to Kaizer Chiefs after Stellenbosch return

Ashley Du Preez has thanked Kaizer Chiefs and their supporters after completing an emotional return to Stellenbosch FC.

The 29-year-old striker was unveiled by the Cape Winelands club on Tuesday as part of a deal that also saw highly rated winger Langelihle Phili move to Kaizer Chiefs.

Du Preez’s departure brings his four-year spell with Amakhosi to an end. He joined Kaizer Chiefs from Stellenbosch FC in 2022 and now returns to the club where he first established himself in the Betway Premiership.

Writing on social media after his move was confirmed, Du Preez reflected on his time with Kaizer Chiefs and expressed his gratitude to the coaches, team-mates and staff who supported him during his stay.

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

“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.”

Du Preez also paid tribute to the Amakhosi faithful, acknowledging the support he received from Kaizer Chiefs fans during the highs and lows of his time at the club.

“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.”

The forward will now attempt to regain his best form with Stellenbosch FC, returning to the side where he made his name before earning a move to Kaizer Chiefs.

His switch forms part of a player exchange between the two clubs, with Phili heading in the opposite direction. Du Preez leaves Kaizer Chiefs having described his time at the club as a defining period in both his football career and personal development.

Although his spell in his second stint at Stellenbosch FC is only just beginning, the striker will hope the familiar surroundings help him rediscover the form that initially brought him to the attention of Kaizer Chiefs.