Stellenbosch FC reserve team coach Evangelos Vellios says he is proud of a number of players who earned first-team and South Africa U-20 call-ups this month.

Stellies’ reserve team are currently battling it out with Mamelodi Sundowns reserves, Kaizer Chiefs reserves, and Orlando Pirates reserves in the race for the 2023-24 DStv Diski Challenge title.

They currently occupy second place on the log with 48 points, trailing log leaders Sundowns by five points, while the Buccaneers are in third place with 45 points and Amakhosi in fourth place with 44 points.

However, three reserve team players, including Shaakir Ahmed, Vuyolwethu Andrieas, and Tylon Smith, got the opportunity to feature for the senior team when they thrashed Milford FC 6-1 on Friday, March 15.

Meanwhile, Tylon Smith, Tyler Cicero and Langelihle Phili earned a call up to the South African U-20 squad for a training camp ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in September 2024.

Vellios says he is very proud of his team as the fruits of their labour is starting to pay off.

“We can be very proud of Vuyolwethu, Tylon, and Shaakhir,” Vellios told his club’s official website.

“They are three important players for us this season; they are selfless, hard-working and dedicated, and I’m sure they contributed immensely on the Nedbank Cup trip on and off the field with their personalities and energy.

“I’m sure coach Steve Barker would have been confident that they would have been able to deliver if he had required them on the pitch.

“It’s that synergy that we have between the first team and the Diski team. The coaches and staff work closely together to have the trust which allows for these types of movements with the players.

“We are so proud of Tylon, Tyler, and Langelihle for making the under-20 national team and representing the club. They follow a rich history of players who have represented the national team at an age group level.

“Credit must go to all the youth coaches, Diski coaches, PSL coaches, management, mental wellbeing coaches, medical department, strength and conditioning coaches, and all the support staff who work so tirelessly to make sure our players develop holistically. We are sure they will represent us well and make the club and their families proud.” he concluded.

Photo by Stellenbosch FC Twitter page