After selling Iqraam Rayners and Jayden Adams to Mamelodi Sundowns and Deano van Rooyen to Orlando Pirates in one season, Stellenbosch FC veteran Lee Langeveldt has made a strong declaration.
Stellies lost key players ahead of 2024/25, after Sundowns signed Rayners and then lured Adams to their camp in January.
READ | Human interest: Chiefs, Pirates links investigated
After the side won the Carling Knockout and had finished third in the league, thus qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup, they were expected to struggle having lost their top players.
However, the Winelands outfit were runners-up in the MTN8, finished third in the league again, and reached the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup.
"If you think about it, all the players we sold or lost during the season, for me it was an excellent season. Losing those quality players, we thought it was not going to be easy," Langeveldt reflected on the season that was, speaking exclusively to KickOff.com.
"But I felt we replaced well. To end the season third, it was special. I don't think many teams can do what we do, by selling our best players and still competing in the league, finishing third, in the cup competitions we did well too."
The veteran shot-stopper suggested he does not see any reason why Stellies can't compete for the league if they keep their best players and recruit well in the off-season.
READ | Life begins at 40: Onyango’s carry-on ability detailed
"That was always our goal ever since we got promoted to the PSL. If we can keep what we have and add quality here and there, I'm sure we'll compete."
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
