Newly signed Stellenbosch FC’s highly rated prospect Omega Mdaka has expressed his desire to win trophies after signing his first professional long-term contract with the reigning Carling Knockout champions.  

Mdaka, 20, has been without a club since Kaizer Chiefs terminated his contract in October 2023 for alleged disciplinary issues when he refused to be a ball retriever in a Carling Knockout match against AmaZulu FC. It was the same AmaZulu who he later tried his luck but he was not successful.  

The other players who suffered the same fate is Puso Dithejane, who is now at TS Galaxy.  Speaking to Stellies’ media team, the 20-year-old defender revealed that the club’s track record for nurturing and giving youngsters opportunities in the first team was one of the key factors behind his decision to move to the Western Cape.  

“I feel very excited and grateful to be here because it’s my first professional contract since leaving Chiefs. I feel very excited and a bit nervous, but mostly just excited to get started,” Mdaka said.  

“Seeing how Stellenbosch FC gives youngsters chances in the first team, and how the youngsters grow and develop in the first team, motivated me to want to play for Stellenbosch and showcase my talent to the people.”  

The former Chiefs youth development player has already set his sights on winning silverware as he aims to help the Cape Winelands outfit compete on all fronts, in what could be his breakthrough season in professional football.  

“I want to get silverware and improve as a player. Hopefully, we can compete to win the PSL with the quality players that we have, get the MTN8, and reach the final of the CAF Confederations Cup,” he said.  

“I want to offer more assists for goals for our strikers this season and help solidify the defense at the back, and hopefully I can be one of the best young players in the league – those are my objectives for the season.”  

Steve Barker’s side will be competing in five different competitions in the 2024/25 season, MTN8, Nedbank Cup, DStv Premiership, and Carling Knockout Cup where they will look to defend their crown, and will also get their first taste of continental football in the CAF Confederations Cup.  

Stellies have been active and bolstering their squad in the ongoing transfer window, with the club recently confirming the signing of Sanele Barns from Richards Bay and Lehlohonolo Mojela from TS Galaxy. 

Article by Trevor Magoro