Stellenbosch FC rolled out the red carpet in Franschhoek on Tuesday evening to honour the standout performers of the 2024/25 season, as a glittering awards ceremony at the Allée Bleue Wine Estate brought well-deserved recognition to the club’s emerging stars—and perhaps a few transfer headaches too.
Swipe Through The Gallery To See All The Stellenbosch FC 2024/25 Award Winners – The Stars Who Lit Up The Season In Style!
Fawaaz Basadien was the biggest winner of the night, claiming both the Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season accolades after a sensational campaign from left-back. The Bafana Bafana international scored seven goals and provided eight assists in all competitions, contributing to an eye-watering 15 goals from deep.
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Basadien's performances this season have not only made him a fan favourite in the Cape Winelands, but have also caught the attention of Gauteng’s ‘Big Three’, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, who are all believed to be monitoring the defender’s situation closely.
Joining Basadien in the spotlight was Devin Titus, who walked away with the Golden Boot after netting 13 goals and adding seven assists. The 24-year-old, who made his Bafana Bafana debut earlier in the season, continues to grow in stature and has long been tipped for a big move, with sources indicating that he too is on the radar of several top flight suitors in Gauteng.
Titus' emergence as a lethal finisher in front of goal has only enhanced his value, and with consistent performances year after year, including previous accolades such as Young Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, he’s fast becoming one of the most sought-after attacking players in the country.
Another standout on the evening was Sihle Nduli, who walked away with the RAMA Fans’ Player of the Season award after securing more than a quarter of the overall vote. The midfield engine’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric, and like Basadien and Titus, he’s understood to be attracting serious interest from heavyweight clubs in the Gauteng region.
Nduli, who also joined Basadien, Stephens, Jabaar and Titus in being inducted into the prestigious Stellenbosch FC 100-Club, has cemented his place as a pillar of the Stellies midfield and is widely regarded as a player with the grit and technical skill to thrive on bigger stages.
The club also honoured Ibraheem Jabaar, who continues to shine as one of the brightest young midfielders in the Premiership. The Nigerian youth international claimed the Oshwin Andries Young Player of the Season award, his second time lifting the accolade, having first won it back in 2022. At just 22, Jabaar was central to Stellenbosch’s run both domestically and in Africa, making him another player of growing interest in local and continental markets.
Stellenbosch’s inspirational captain and stalwart shot-stopper Sage Stephens received the Sportsman of the Year award. The veteran keeper, who also boasts international honours with Bafana Bafana, played a crucial role in guiding Stellies to the semi-final of the CAF Confederation Cup, a historic run in what was the club’s first-ever campaign on the continent.
Stephens has been lauded for his leadership both on and off the pitch, not only marshalling the defence with authority but also playing a critical role in building Stellenbosch’s brand and reputation as a serious footballing outfit with a growing footprint in African competition.
While the awards ceremony was a night of celebration and reflection, there’s also no escaping the growing noise surrounding the club’s most valuable assets. With Basadien, Titus and Nduli all reportedly on the wishlists of the country’s traditional giants, Stellenbosch may face a tough offseason keeping their core intact.
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