Ismaël Touré has officially left Stellenbosch FC to join Baniyas Club in the United Arab Emirates Pro League, bringing an end to a highly successful two-year spell in South African football.
The Ivorian central defender’s departure was confirmed by Stellenbosch in an official club statement, which acknowledged his significant contribution to the team’s recent achievements.
“Stellenbosch Football Club can confirm that defender Ismaël Touré has completed a permanent transfer to UAE Pro League side Baniyas,” the club announced, sealing his move to the Gulf region.
Touré joined Stellenbosch two seasons ago and quickly became a mainstay in the side’s defensive unit. His time in the Cape Winelands saw him make 76 appearances across all competitions, during which he scored two goals.
Most memorably, he netted the crucial equaliser in the 2023 Carling Knockout final against TS Galaxy—an effort that laid the foundation for Stellenbosch’s historic first major title at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Beyond the silverware, Touré’s impact on the pitch was pivotal to the club’s steady rise in South African football.
He helped Stellenbosch reach the final of the 2024 MTN8 and played an instrumental role in the club’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup earlier this year—marking their best-ever showing in continental competition.
In a farewell message, Stellenbosch FC paid tribute to the 26-year-old’s professionalism and leadership, saying: “Touré leaves Stellenbosch after two successful seasons in which he made 76 appearances across all competitions, helping the club win the Carling Knockout in 2023, reach the MTN8 final in 2024 and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final earlier this year.”
The club also expressed its appreciation for Touré’s service and extended its best wishes for his future. “The entire Stellenbosch FC team would like to thank Ismaël for his service to the club and wish him the best of luck as he embarks on the next chapter of his career in the UAE,” the statement continued.
Touré’s transfer marks the end of a chapter for Stellenbosch, but also highlights the club’s growing reputation as a platform for developing players capable of competing on the international stage.
His move to Baniyas is a testament to that success, with the UAE Pro League offering a new challenge and opportunity for the Ivorian to continue his career in a different footballing environment.
While his absence will be felt in the heart of Stellenbosch’s defence, the club will be hoping to build on the momentum established during Touré’s time, as they prepare for both domestic and continental campaigns in the upcoming season.
For Touré, the move to Baniyas represents the next step in a promising career. With his experience in South Africa and recent continental exposure, he arrives in the UAE with a proven track record and the potential to make an immediate impact.
