Stellenbosch FC sign former Orlando Pirates defender in squad rebuild

Wayde Jooste will play at his seventh Betway Premiership club.
Wayde Jooste will play at his seventh Betway Premiership club.Stellenbosch FC

Stellenbosch FC have completed the signing of former Orlando Pirates defender Wayde Jooste, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The 34-year-old arrives at Stellenbosch with more than 200 professional appearances to his name across previous spells with Bloemfontein Celtic, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Highlands Park, Pirates, Maritzburg United and most recently AmaZulu.

“Stellenbosch is a club that I have admired for some time,” Jooste said. “It’s a club that has been very successful in the last few seasons, and it’s special for me to become part of that.

“A few weeks ago, I got a call from coach Steve (Barker), and he asked me if I would be interested, and I don’t even think he finished his question before I said ‘yes’.

“I’ve been praying and believing that something will come up for me, and something as good as this I could never say no to. I’m honoured and privileged to be part of the club.”

Wayde Jooste over the past few seasons
Wayde Jooste over the past few seasonsFlashscore

Jooste could be in line to make his debut for Stellenbosch FC when the team returns to action to take on Sekhukhune United on 20 January 2026.

The rightback left AmaZulu at the end of last season and has been without a club since, though he did also play for South Africa at the 2024 African Nations Championship.

He can also play as a right-sided midfielder and will add numbers to a thin Stellenbosch squad that is also competing in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages, where they have made a good start with four points from their first two games.

But things have not been going so well in the Betway Premiership, where the team currently lies third bottom. Their next fixture is away at Sekhukhune United on January 20.