Stellenbosch FC have pulled off a coup by signing attacking midfielder George Matlou on a long-term deal just weeks after his exit from Kaizer Chiefs. The 28-year-old joins the Cape Winelands side as they plot a stronger Betway Premiership tilt this season, with Stellies sitting ninth on 37 points from 30 games and a recent run of draws and losses.

What happened?

Matlou’s four-year spell at Chiefs ended when his contract wasn’t renewed this summer. The Nedbank Cup winner in 2025 had featured regularly for Amakhosi in Naturena, but the door shut on his stay. Within days, Stellies swooped to land the 28-year-old on a multi-year contract. The club confirmed the move on Tuesday, marking another busy spell in the transfer window for the Stellenbosch-based side.

Why it matters for Stellenbosch FC

CEO Rob Benadie sees Matlou as a seasoned operator who can steady the midfield. “George is a player we believe can add real value to our squad through his experience, technical ability, and understanding of the game,” Benadie said. Stellies finished last term in a tight mid-table scrap, just four points off the log’s top half, and the new signing arrives with the pedigree to tighten their grip. The club conceded 30 goals last season and sit 32 points adrift of Orlando Pirates, so every extra dose of quality counts.

Matlou joins a small wave of arrivals at Stellies this summer. Gaston Sirino and Tashreeq Morris have also switched codes, heading to Durban City, while Stellies continue to reshape their squad for the new campaign. The league table shows Stellies in ninth with nine wins, ten draws and eleven losses from 30 games, and a recent run of draws and losses that leaves room for improvement.

What comes next?

Stellenbosch FC open their Betway Premiership campaign next month with Matlou expected to slot straight into the engine room. Benadie’s message is clear: the new man must help the side cut the gap to the top six and grind out tighter results at home. With the transfer window still open, Stellies will be watching closely to see if further reinforcements arrive before the first whistle blows.