Stellenbosch close in on Du Preez and Msimango in complex Kaizer Chiefs swap deal

Stellenbosch FC are poised to sign Ashley du Preez and Given Msimango from Kaizer Chiefs in a major swap agreement that would see highly rated midfielder Langelihle Phili move in the opposite direction.

Du Preez, 29, has agreed personal terms with Stellenbosch on a two-year contract that includes an option to extend, bringing to an end a long-running transfer saga between the clubs centred on Chiefs’ pursuit of Phili.

According to SABC Sport, Chiefs and Stellenbosch have reached a club-to-club agreement for Phili, with the player’s personal terms also effectively finalised, clearing the way for the multi-player switch to be completed.

iDiski Times reports that Du Preez is due to travel to Cape Town on Tuesday to finalise his move, while Msimango is also expected to be included in what has been described as an intricate deal between the two Betway Premiership sides.

Defensive reinforcement for Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch have been actively looking to strengthen their backline ahead of the new campaign after missing out on defensive targets Thabo Moloisane, Athenkosi Mcaba and Henri Stanic.

With Msimango now likely to be part of the agreement with Chiefs, head coach Gavin Hunt appears set to secure another key defensive signing just days before the season begins.

Hunt has been seeking additional depth and experience at the back following the departures and failed pursuits in the transfer market, and the imminent arrival of Msimango would address a clear area of need in his squad.

Season kicks off this weekend

The deal is being concluded with the new Betway Premiership season about to get under way, as Stellenbosch open their campaign against AmaZulu on Saturday at 15:00.

Final paperwork and formal announcements from the clubs are expected once all players involved have completed medicals and signed their contracts.

The developments mark one of the most significant pieces of transfer business of the current window in South African football, involving two established top-flight clubs and several high-profile players ahead of the league’s opening weekend.