Stellenbosch FC expect tough season -Cupido

Stellenbosch FC’s star Ashley Cupido has explained why he expects the 2025-2026 Betway Premiership season to be tough for the 2025 Confederation Cup semifinalists.

The Bafana Bafana striker said this when giving an update on the Western Cape-based club’s pre-season preparations after having played friendlies against opponents such as TS Galaxy.

The Stellies return to the next campaign with the weight on their shoulders after having sent shock waves in Africa by qualifying for the Confederation Cup semifinal.

Steve Barker’s men were so good they booted out previous holders of the continental cup, Zamalek SC, to reach the last-four stage. It was the first time that Stellenbosch reached that far on the continental stage before being stopped by Simba SC in the semifinal.

It is on this premise that Cupido feels opponents would target them next season, knowing they are not pushovers.

“I am excited for the new season ahead. The boys are on the right track,” he told the team’s media.

“We just have to improve the little details here and there. I think last season, we set the very bar very high. We didn’t expect to go to the semifinals. Therefore, this season won’t be easy because more teams on the continent now know us and the quality.”

To overcome the expected challenges, the Stellies’ star has since called for team-mates to also set personal targets.

“This is why as players we have to personally improve and set goals for ourselves. Not everything will be easy but we have a good team and good chemistry so I think we will do much better than last season,” Cupido added.

Stellenbosch have since strengthened their squad with players such as Belgian centre-back Henri Stanic, defender Siviwe Nkwali and striker Muzomuhle Khanyi. Barker beefed up the team after releasing Kenyan defender Brian Onyango, while Liam De Kock, midfielder Sinhle Nduli and striker Shaakir Ahmed.