PSL Transfers: Stellenbosch FC sign ex-Orlando Pirates defender

Stellenbosch FC have announced the signing of veteran defender Wayde Jooste, formerly of Orlando Pirates, on Thursday.

The 34-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the club, having made over 200 professional appearances during stints with Bloemfontein Celtic, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Highlands Park, Pirates, Maritzburg United, and most recently AmaZulu.

“Stellenbosch is a club I’ve admired for a long time,” Jooste said. “They’ve enjoyed great success in recent seasons, and it’s special for me to be part of that.

A few weeks ago, coach Steve Barker called to ask if I’d be interested, and I didn’t even let him finish before saying ‘yes’.

I’ve been praying for an opportunity like this, and something this good was impossible to turn down. I’m honoured and privileged to join the club.”

Jooste, who left AmaZulu at the end of last season and has been a free agent since, could make his debut when Stellenbosch face Sekhukhune United on 20 January 2026. He also featured for South Africa at the 2024 African Nations Championship.

Primarily a right-back, Jooste can also operate as a right-sided midfielder, adding depth to a Stellenbosch squad competing in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages, where they’ve started strongly with four points from two matches.

However, domestic form has been less encouraging, with the team sitting third from bottom in the Betway Premiership. Their next league fixture is away to Sekhukhune United on 20 January.