Wayde Jooste: South African defender joins Highbury FC from Stellenbosch FC

South African right-back Wayde Jooste has joined Highbury FC from Betway Premiership side Stellenbosch FC in a completed move dated 9 July 2026.

The 34-year-old defender returns to the Cape after a short spell with Stellenbosch, where he had signed in January 2026 following a period without a club. His switch to Highbury FC gives the newcomers an experienced option on the right side of defence as they strengthen their squad for the new campaign.

Born in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, Jooste has built a long career in South African top-flight football, operating primarily at right-back and favouring his right foot. Standing at 1.78m, he has amassed 173 appearances in the Betway Premiership, contributing six goals and eight assists while surpassing 10,000 minutes of league action.

Joostes experience extends beyond domestic league football. He has featured in the CAF Confederation Cup, as well as in major South African cup competitions including the Nedbank Cup, MTN8 and the Carling Knockout. He has appeared in promotion-relegation play-offs, adding further depth to his knowledge of high-pressure fixtures.

A notable highlight of his career came with Orlando Pirates, where he was part of the side that lifted the MTN8 Cup in the 2020-21 season. That success followed earlier spells with Golden Arrows and Highlands Park, underlining his familiarity with clubs across the countrys professional tiers.

Jooste, whose current market value is listed at 50,000, arrives at Highbury FC as a seasoned top-flight defender, completing his move ahead of the new season.