Stellenbosch FC's latest young star Vuyolwethu Andrieas.
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Stellenbosch FC may not have enjoyed the season they have become accustomed to over the past three years, but the Winelands club remains a hotbed for unearthing young talent in South Africa.
The Maroons have developed and nurtured some of the finest footballers in the country, such as Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ashley du Preez (Kaizer Chiefs), and Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates), along with Tylon Smith, who is based at Queens Park Rangers in England.
And now, the latest off the Stellenbosch Academy conveyor belt is midfielder Vuyolwethu Andrieas. The 21-year-old Diski Challenge star was entrusted with a Betway Premiership debut against Orlando Pirates at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening when coach Gavin Hunt inserted the youngster at halftime for the experienced Mthetheleli Mthiyane.
Although Stellenbosch ultimately went down 2-0 after conceding twice within three minutes just before the break, Andrieas delivered a composed performance, showing no signs of stage fright against the Soweto giants in front of a sold-out stadium, as he broke up play with regularity to ensure the home team finished strongly.
"I just thought he [Mthiyane] wasn't at the races, and I just thought we needed some [energy], and I thought the kid was good. It was his first day,” Hunt said.
"I think he's been good. He's not fit, but I thought he was very good, and he certainly helped us play a little bit, and he got closer to people."
The Gugulethu-born youngster, who was signed from Hellenic FC after impressing at the prestigious Bayhill Premier Cup, admits that he was nervous before going out onto the park, but settled down after a short chat with Hunt.
"It was a dream come true," Andrieas said. "I was anxious when I found out I was coming on at halftime, and I could feel it in my stomach, but coach Gavin came to me and told me just to go out and do what I do every week in training.
"I decided to treat it like any other game. Orlando Pirates is a big team, but it’s just a badge, and in the end, it’s eleven humans playing against eleven other humans on the field.
"I just had to take it one second at a time and work my socks off to show the coach that I deserved the chance he gave me. I had to show him and the crowd that came out to watch us that I have something in me.
"I still have to keep working, though, because one game doesn’t mean I’ve made it. It’s a big step up from playing in the DStv Diski Challenge, and this is only the start of my career, but my performance gave me pride and confidence that I belong at this level."
Andrieas will be hoping, though, that he’s done enough to be included in the starting lineup for the crucial Betway Premiership clash against Durban City at the Chatsworth Stadium on Friday.
Five points separate seventh-placed City (37 points) and 10th-placed Stellies (32 points) in the race for a top-eight position, with both teams still having to play three matches to conclude the season.
City, of course, are also still filled with confidence after winning the Nedbank Cup last week and will pose a stern challenge to Hunt’s charges.