Du Preez Eager To Make Impact Against Former Club Stellenbosch
Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley Du Preez is eager to face his former club Stellenbosch in the team’s first league game of the season at Athlone Stadium on Sunday (17:30).
Du Preez expressed his excitement about playing against Stellenbosch, highlighting the special bond he shares with Stellies.
“For me, it’s always good to play against them, and I’ve been playing for them, which they helped me to get where I am today, ” Du Preez said, who has scored three times against his former club since he switched to Chiefs from the Cape Winelands club.
The 28-year-old is familiar with the Cape Town terrain, which he believes will give him an edge in the game.
“So, it’s always nice to have a game against Stellenbosch, and going to Cape Town, it’s also nice because I’m familiar with everything,” Du Preez said.
The former Stellies attacker is pumped up for the match, stating, “To play against Stellenbosch, I think I’m over excited, and the mindset is always on a higher level when I play against Stellenbosch.”
Du Preez, who is 18 games away from making 100 appearances for Amakhosi, is determined to make a strong start to the season, aiming to score goals and provide assists against his former team.
“I think I’m ready, and I would like to start the season against Stellenbosch with some goals and assists. I’m just looking forward to playing against them,” he added.
He’s also aware that Stellenbosch will be a tough opponent, citing their impressive performance against AmaZulu in the MTN8 quarterfinal last Sunday.
“When I look at their game against AmaZulu, it was a tricky game. They played very well in that game against AmaZulu, and even last season, they also played very well,” Du Preez noted.
Despite the challenge ahead, he’s confident that Chiefs can secure a win.
“So, for us it is not going to be an easy game because they look sharp and they’ve been doing well for the past seasons, so it’s going to be a good game.”
The history between the two teams favors Chiefs, who beat Stellenbosch three times last season, including twice in the league and once in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal.
