Stellenbosch star: It’s about wanting better for yourself
ASHLEY du Preez has seen it all with Stellenbosch FC.
From the early days of the club’s inception in 2016, when he was a scrawny teenager battling through the GladAfrica Championship, to scoring a brace against champions Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend to propel Stellenbosch to the dizzy heights they now occupy in the Premiership.
Du Preez’s status on the local circuit has certainly exploded, with the speedy attacker being rewarded for his inspirational and energetic displays with a maiden call-up to Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad this week.
Equally, his fleet-of-foot performances have not gone unnoticed in Gauteng, where Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and of course Sundowns displaying an interest in the 24-year-old.
To Du Preez’s credit, he has continuously dismissed any suggestions of a move away from his home club, always stating, “I am happy where I am. I am focused on Stellenbosch… I want to contribute for this team.”
It is inevitable though that Du Preez will ultimately move up north to secure his financial future – maybe even by the start of next new season – but his roots will always be in Stellenbosch, particularly due to the influence of his long-serving coach Steve Barker.
“Coach Steve Barker is a very good person both on and off the field. The way he talks to you makes you feel comfortable with him,” Du Preez said yesterday.
“The relationship with the coach is good … it really is top class, especially as we haven’t had other coaches coming in and going. That has created consistency for us.”
Barker is a firm believer in that players only mature in the Premiership after having played “50 to 60 games”.
This trust factor between player and coach was essential after Du Preez showed glimpses of his talent last season, without actually producing the finishing touches.
It had a major impact on Stellies’ fortunes as they barely survived relegation.
But instead of casting Du Preez aside, Barker kept faith in his prodigy. And with Du Preez now having had the experience of three seasons in the top flight, accumulating 68 PSL matches in the process, the fruits are there for all to see through his nine goals this season.
“It was tough at the beginning, but as a team, we have done very well,” he said. “It takes a lot of hard work. It starts with discipline and respecting the senior players and coaches. It starts with yourself, and wanting better for yourself.”
Du Preez and Stellenbosch’s work for this season is not over just yet, though. There is the small matter of a derby against neighbours Cape Town City to contend with at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.
Stellies hold the bragging rights after claiming the honours in the last two encounters. Barker’s men trounced City 3-0 in earlier this season at Athlone Stadium, while they also defeated the Citizens 2-1 at Cape Town Stadium last year.
Du Preez struck the winner and everything is pointing to the fact that he may once again be the determining factor in the next iKapa derby.