Newly promoted Stellenbosch striker Cheswyn Philander is determined to cement his place in the club’s starting line-up.
Philander, who was promoted from the Stellies reserve team last year, made an impact off the bench as his side secured a 2-1 victory. However, he was left out of the squad in their recent Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United, which Stellenbosch lost 2-1.
However, the 21-year-old has set his sights on becoming a regular and believes his hard work will pay off.
“I want to be a first-team player. I know I have to keep working hard and focus on improving my game, but I believe I have what it takes to achieve that,” he told the Stellenbosch website.
Reflecting on his debut, Philander expressed his excitement about stepping onto the field for the first time in front of home fans.
“Personally, I think it was a very good debut for me and a great experience to play in front of our supporters. It was special to make my debut, even more so at Danie Craven Stadium.”
He also appreciated the coaching staff’s trust in him to come on when his team was trailing.
“What stands out the most for me, and gives me the most confidence, is that the coaches trusted me in that moment – when we were 1-0 down – to come on and make an impact. That belief means a lot to me.”
Before joining Stellenbosch, Philander caught the attention of the club’s technical team when he scored a hat-trick in a friendly match for Ubuntu FC against the Maroons.
He revealed that he had mentally prepared himself for that moment, knowing it could be his big break.
“I was excited going into that match because it was a great opportunity to test myself. The whole week, I prepared mentally because, deep down, I knew this was a chance for me to be noticed.”
With his determination and hunger to succeed, Philander is now focused on earning his place in Stellenbosch’s starting line-up and making a name for himself in the Betway Premiership.