I second the call about Cartagena. I did 6 weeks solo in Colombia in 2018 and loved it. It's impressive how much it's turned itself around. Only time I felt nervous was when walking past a police station and the police insisted I step inside. They didn't speak English and I didn't speak Spanish. They then got on google translate and told me to take a taxi elsewhere as it wasn't a safe neighbourhood for a foreigner.
Well done Adj! Wow! What a result. European and MLS scouts would have been at this game to watch players in both teams. With an average age of approx 24, the Stellenbosch players are in high demand (most especially from PSL big 3) Adj stats improving big time. What a season. Caf champions league (1st and 2nd) is a possibility and that will bring a nice fat bonus for Adj
Amazingly, the Diski Challenge League (which is the PSL u21 reserve league) has Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch and Orlando Pirates in the top 3 also. These teams are definitely doing something right. Lol
Some European leagues (eg Eredivisie) have restrictions on players outside of the EU but not all.
It's definitely the offers MLS is prepared to pay PSL clubs for players. Also players are more prepared to go because it's an English speaking country. Logistically it's just easier compared to other countries on the continent ( for scouts).
Mls scouts are mostly in South Africa because of the standard of the league (and players are generally cheaper than the South American market) and the league is a hub for quality African players.
Another big reason is that over the last few years the average age of most of the PSl teams ( except Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando pirates) has gone down. Its now very common to see 3 or 4 under 23 players in the 1st team.
European teams (incl EPL) have their scouts targeting the PSL reserve league (under 21 league). There have been a number of targets and offers. The problem is that PSL teams are not prepared to sell these players because they know the offer will be lower than a developed ( playing in 1st team) player. coochiee
Yes seems to be quite a few South Africans in the MLS for whatever reason. Easier to get a work permit than Europe?
coochiee
Yes seems to be quite a few South Africans in the MLS for whatever reason. Easier to get a work permit than Europe?
It's an amazing achievement. Stellenbosch isn't your classic PSL small club though. It's owners ( through his charity foundation) are billionaire Johann Rupert, one of the richest families on the continent. He and his family are the majority shareholders and founders of Richemont, the luxury goods empire. Below is a few brands under the Richemont group: Alaïa, AZ Factory, Baume & Mercier, Buccellati, Cartier, Chloé, Delvaux, Dunhill, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Mr Porter, Net-a-Porter, Panerai, Piaget, Peter Millar, Purdey, Roger Dubuis, Serapian, The Outnet, TimeVallée, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels etc, etc etc.
So yes they run the club on a budget but behind the scenes is a well run machine, with top people in charge.
Forget what I just said above. I'm talking out of my.......Stellenbosch are a small club with a great management team and are having an awesome season. We'll done.
coochiee
Undefeated in 21 games is some record, for a smaller club. ADJ a more regular starter as their season has gone on.
Stellenbosch are into the Nedbank Cup semis after a 4-0 win vs SuperSport and yeah you bet Andre De Jong got a goal
Is about 4 teams (sides 2nd-5th) chasing the 2nd CAF Champions League spot, but for now Stellenbosch are 4 pts clear of Orlando Pirates in 3rd, with 7 games left.
ADJ the hero (though it happened early 2nd half) with the winning goal in a 2-1 win for Stellies.
They even find some white fans in the Nelspruit stands, to applaud the only white guy on the field. Maybe some Kiwis on a safari at nearby Kruger National Park? Same ground where Smeltz got his toe poke against Italy in 2010 WC.
Stellenbosch keep rocking on. Unbeaten streak is now up to 23 games in all comps. They keep fighting hard to get that 2nd CAF Champions League spot (comes with nice fat cash bonus apparently), with 6 PSL games left. Now got a handy 2 games at home.
Only De Jong's 2nd goal in 19 PSL games this season. But he also has quite a few goals in Cup games.
Andre de Jong’s been at it again, scoring the winner against TS Galaxy
Stellenbosch’s unbeaten streak is now up to 23 games in all comps
ADJ the hero (though it happened early 2nd half) with the winning goal in a 2-1 win for Stellies.
They even find some white fans in the Nelspruit stands, to applaud the only white guy on the field. Maybe some Kiwis on a safari at nearby Kruger National Park? Same ground where Smeltz got his toe poke against Italy in 2010 WC.
Stellenbosch keep rocking on. Unbeaten streak is now up to 23 games in all comps. They keep fighting hard to get that 2nd CAF Champions League spot (comes with nice fat cash bonus apparently), with 6 PSL games left. Now got a handy 2 games at home.
Only De Jong's 2nd goal in 19 PSL games this season. But he also has quite a few goals in Cup games.
Andre de Jong’s been at it again, scoring the winner against TS Galaxy
Stellenbosch’s unbeaten streak is now up to 23 games in all comps
Defending absolutely laughable aka Man utd lol. South Africa has a similar show to " Match of the Day" which will be on today. The show has a most embarrassing moment in the football week called "Moemish of the week". I think we found the moemish lol
Having a season injury free at long last, must have been a big factor, in this being his best season. Might be in line for a recall to the AWs for OFC Nations Cup. Especially if a few are unavailable.
Would like to see how he'd go at ALM level with the Black Knights. But if Stellenbosch get spot in CAF Champions League with it's extra cash, I'm guessing he'll stay there.
From Flying Kiwis. Put simply, this is the best sustained form that De Jong has shown since he’s been in South Africa. Across three different clubs he’s had great games, he’s had great months, but nothing like this where he’s earned his way into a regular starting gig for a team that keeps on winning games of football. Just look at the celebrations for his goal – those teammates love him.
He’s largely playing as an attacking midfielder so nothing crazy with the goal tallies. Also, for whatever reason, much of his work has come in cup ties: he’s actually scored in four different competitions this season. This was his second league goal to go with two assists this season, adding up to seven goals overall.
Here was ADJ speaking a few weeks ago prior to their Nedbank Cup quarter-final victory (in which he scored)...
Andre De Jong: “Naturally, as a team, we have all been in good form, so it’s easier when everyone is pulling together in the right direction. If you have a slightly off day you know one of the other guys will lift you and boost you for that game. I think the fact that the team is doing very well overall, combined with some really good individual performances, makes it easier to stay in form.”
Stellenbosch Bafana striker Iqraam Rayners scores all 5 goals. ADJ with the assist on the 2nd goal. Yes!!
Stellenbosch cement their position at 2nd place in the PSL and now firm favourites for the CAF Champions League. European, PSL Big 3 and MLS teams are circling Stellenbosch's talent (the team average age is about 24years) but with Caf Champions League qualification the top talent might just decide to stay an extra season.
For Adj it's a season to remember. Winning his first Cup Championship and potentially playing in the Caf Champions League next year. Personally I'm sure his really happy with his stats this season. Stellenbosch will also qualify for the Top 6 Cup
This is the best time to ask Adj for a loan 🤣🥳 aka fat bonuses this season and next
