South African defender Surprise Nhlabathi joins Stellenbosch FC from Baroka FC

South African centre-back Surprise Nhlabathi has joined Stellenbosch FC from Baroka FC, completing a move to the Betway Premiership club on 1 August 2026.

The transfer brings Nhlabathi to Stellenbosch after a spell with Baroka, where he played during the 2024-25 season. He joined Baroka from Tshwane Uni on 18 August 2024, making the switch to the club less than two years before his move to Stellenbosch.

Nhlabathi made two appearances for Baroka in the Nedbank Cup, playing a total of 50 minutes in the competition. Those appearances represent the recorded competitive action attached to his spell at the club before his departure.

The 2026-27 season will therefore begin with Nhlabathi at Stellenbosch, who compete in South Africa’s Betway Premiership. His arrival adds a South African defender to the club’s squad after his time at Baroka.

Nhlabathi’s move continues a career that has included spells with Tshwane Uni and Baroka before his arrival in Stellenbosch. He joined Tshwane Uni’s former club setup before moving to Baroka in August 2024, then made the latest change in his playing career at the start of August 2026.

The defender’s transfer was recorded on the opening day of his new spell with Stellenbosch. No transfer fee was reported for the move from Baroka.

Nhlabathi has now completed his switch from Baroka FC to Stellenbosch FC.