Stellenbosch FC rejects Happy Mashiane due to lack of match fitness
Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has revealed that the club opted against signing former Kaizer Chiefs left-back Happy Mashiane due to his lack of match fitness. Mashiane, 28, had been without a club since parting ways with Chiefs, ending a 12-year association with the Soweto giants.
The struggle for match fitness
Mashiane had struggled for game time at Naturena in the last few seasons and was sent out on loan at Siwelele FC last term. However, the move did not provide the resurgence Mashiane was looking for, as he failed to make a significant impact during his stint away from the Amakhosi.
Hunt's honest assessment of Mashiane
Speaking at the launch of the 2026/27 campaign on Wednesday, Hunt confirmed that while Mashiane was given a fair chance to impress on trial, the physical gap was too wide to bridge immediately. "He came on and had a trial," said Hunt. "But then again, he hadn’t played football again for four years. The four years since I had left there [Chiefs], I don’t think he must have played more than five games."
The demands of the Premier Soccer League
The experienced tactician emphasized that Stellenbosch is currently in a position where they require players who are ready to contribute from the opening whistle. The demands of the Premier Soccer League mean that Hunt cannot afford to carry players who need an extensive pre-season or months of rehabilitation to reach peak fitness.
Stellenbosch moving in a different direction
With the departure of several key players to rivals like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch are under pressure to ensure their recruitment is precise and effective. While Mashiane offers versatility and experience from his time at one of the country's biggest clubs, his lack of conditioning made him a luxury that Hunt felt the squad could not afford.
What comes next for Mashiane?
As the 2026/27 season approaches, Mashiane finds himself at a career crossroads, needing to find a destination where he can finally rack up the minutes Hunt believes are essential for his comeback. For Stellenbosch, the focus remains on securing talent that can hit the ground running.
