The defender has been instrumental in Stellenbosch’s revival, guiding the Cape Winelands team to 10th position in the Betway Premiership.
Stellies came into the campaign with high expectations having finished in the league last season and made it all the way to the semifinals of the CAF Confederations Cup.
Steve Barker vacated his long-standing post as head coach with Gsvin Hunt taking the reins, even they the experienced mentor has had a slow start, thing are falling into place.
Stanic said: “There is pressure that comes with the expectation, especially with the success of the last few seasons, because we want to keep that standard high.
“There are moments where I wasn’t sleeping well because we weren’t getting results, and in a way that’s good because we demand that standard, but I know the foundation is there for us to improve.
“We have the players and the experience to do it. I personally struggled initially with the level because the game is faster here and the players are quicker whereas if you compare it to Belgian football, Belgian football is more physical and, in some ways, more tactical.
“If you watch a game back home, you might think the game is slow, because teams are more tactical and structured, but here it is very open in comparison.
“I struggled with that to be honest, but I had to adapt my game to get used to it.”