Stellenbosch FC have announced that right back Shaakir Ahmed has signed his first professional contract with the senior team.

The 21-year-old spent the last season captaining the club’s reserve team to the DStv Diski Challenge title and and Premier League Next Generation Cup title.

Ahmed performance for the Diski team earn him his debut for the senior team last season when he came off the bench in their 3-0 win over Royal AM in March.

The right back has since done enough to earn himself a permanent move to the senior team after penning his first professional contract.

“I feel really privileged to be a part of the squad and I’m excited for the season ahead,” Ahmed told his club’s official website.

“We have a good team and I feel as though we are going to do some beautiful things together.

“The success we achieved at reserve level has really given me confidence. I now want to build on my performances with the Diski side over the last two seasons and it’s great to know that coach Steve [Barker] has seen the potential in me and trusted me enough to bring me up to the PSL side.

“I’m hoping to bring that same energy and continue to fight for the badge. I want to establish myself in the team, get lots of minutes, and ultimately help the team achieve the goals that we have set out for the season by challenging for the league, in the cups, and in the CAF competitions.”