Stellenbosch FC has officially announced the signing of Henri Stanic, a 22-year-old Belgian central defender, further strengthening their backline ahead of the upcoming Betway Premiership season.
Stanic joins the Western Cape-based club on a permanent transfer from Maltese Premier League side Balzan FC.
Stanic arrives at Stellenbosch with a promising pedigree, having come through the youth ranks of prestigious Belgian clubs Anderlecht and Leuven.
He moved to Balzan FC from Norwegian team FK Jerv and had an impactful season in Malta, featuring in 28 matches and impressively contributing five goals from his defensive position.
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In an official statement, Stellenbosch FC expressed their excitement about the new acquisition: “Stellenbosch Football Club is delighted to announce the acquisition of Belgian centre-back Henri Stanic on a permanent transfer from Maltese Premier League side Balzan Football Club.
The 22-year-old joins Stellies on the back of an impressive season in which he not only starred defensively for Balzan but also aided the club’s cause with five goals in 28 league appearances.”
For Stanic, the move to South Africa represents an exciting new chapter and a chance to further his career ambitions. “I’m very grateful and excited to be here,” he shared. “The team has already welcomed me very well, and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”
He elaborated on what drew him to Stellenbosch, highlighting the club’s vision: “The project at Stellenbosch FC is what attracted me to come to South Africa. I spoke to several people at the club, and I really like the project that is being worked on.”
Eager to make his mark in the South African top flight, Stanic added, “I’m also looking forward to playing in the domestic championship [the Betway Premiership] and to showcasing my talent in the country. I will fight for the badge and give 100% for the team. I am still young, and I have ambitions that I hope to achieve with the club.”