Stellenbosch University (SU) and Stellenbosch Football Club (FC) recently signed a memorandum of understanding that is intended to improve both Maties FC and Stellenbosch FC.
Jannie Durand, chief executive officer of Remgro, the leading investment company in Stellenbosch Football Club (FC), and Prof Wim de Villiers, rector of Stellenbosch University, officially sign the memorandum of understanding on 11 October. The memorandum is intended to improve both Maties and Stellenbosch FC. PHOTO: Keanan Hemmonsbey
This was according to Prof Wim de Villiers, rector of SU. The memorandum was signed at a press conference at De Volkskombuis restaurant in Stellenbosch on 11 October.
“This partnership not only sees our PSL [Premier Soccer League] club utilise the university’s excellent facilities as a training base and as a match venue, but also details plans to uplift the quality of football at the university and in the greater Winelands community,” said Ilhaam Groenewald, chief director of Maties Sport.
Maties Football Club hopes to mimic the success of Maties Rugby through a new memorandum of understanding, signed by Stellenbosch University (SU) and Stellenbosch Football Club on 11 October. “In our aspirations to be a university for all, soccer finds its rightful place in Stellenbosch…attracting the soccer-loving students and players and fans in our local community,” said Prof Stan Du Plessis, chief operating officer at SU. PHOTO: Keanan Hemmonsbey
Maties FC hopes to mimic the success of Maties Rugby through the MoU, according to Prof Stan du Plessis, chief operating officer at SU.
“We believe our stadium is the most special rugby venue in the country, and we want it to be the same for football,” said Du Plessis.
Desmond Crowie, coach of Maties FC, believes that the memorandum is the perfect foundation for Maties FC and SU to build a closer relationship with the Stellenbosch area.
Stellenbosch University (SU) and Stellenbosch Football Club (FC) recently signed a memorandum of understanding that is intended to improve both Maties and Stellenbosch FC. “This truly has the potential to be life changing for all those involved,” said Prof Wim de Villiers, rector of SU, on the new partnership. PHOTO: Keanan Hemmonsbey
“The old saying ‘more hands make light work’ is what I’m referring to,” said Crowie.
Crowie’s sentiments were echoed by Lee Langeveldt, the Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper. “The MoU not only allows us to share facilities and resources, but [also] means we’re all talking to one another and we all have the same message,” said Langeveldt.
Stellenbosch University (SU) and Stellenbosch Football Club (FC) recently signed a memorandum of understanding that is intended to improve both Maties and Stellenbosch FC. “It gives an option for hope for many of our youth out there – hope that there is a way forward, there is something more to life, and you can do that through sport,” said Geraldine Mettler, municipal manager at Stellenbosch Municipality, about the memorandum. PHOTO: Keanan Hemmonsbey
A goal-oriented approach
The focus of the understanding encompasses both Maties student athletes and Stellenbosch FC players, according to Groenewald.
“For the very first time in the history of SU, we offered coaching sessions to our students who participate in our residence [football] league,” said Groenewald. “We’ve [also] invested in life-skills development, particularly for our [Stellenbosch] FC players.”
Steve Barker, head coach of Stellenbosch Football Club (FC), is currently the longest-standing coach in the DSTV premiership, according to Jerry Laka, director of operations at Maties Sport. Stellenbosch FC is currently second on the DSTV premiership table. The DSTV premiership is the South African men’s professional football league and the highest division of South African domestic football. PHOTO: Keanan Hemmonsbey
The newly formed relationship is also centred around the technical expertise of coaches, according to Groenewald.
“Both [Stelllenbosch] FC, as well as SU coaches, have a forum, and they spend a lot of time talking about the future […] possibilities of football in terms of six-a-side, futsal, etc.,” said Groenewald.
Lee Langeveldt was born and raised in Idas Valley, and now plays as a goalkeeper for Stellenbosch Football Club. “The MoU not only allows us to share facilities and resources, but [also] means we’re all talking to one another and we all have the same message,” said Langeveldt, on the memorandum of understanding signed by Stellenbosch University (SU) and Stellenbosch Football Club (FC) on 11 October. PHOTO: Keanan Hemmonsbey
SU hopes to expand their relationship with Stellenbosch FC in the future, according to Groenewald.
“This investment is long term and it is renewable, so whatever happens in future, this MoU allows us to revisit some of its clauses and then re-envision the future. So, we’re very much committed to a long-term and sustainable relationship,” said Groenewald.