Retired former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fabian McCarthy has explained how Stellenbosch FC’s environment could add five years to a professional footballer’s playing time.
The former international defender, who retired at 34, insists he could have played until 39 in Stellenbosch FC’s nurturing set-up.
Five years after earning their place in the top flight, Stellies continues to soar. Crowned second-tier league champions in the 2018/19 season, they further solidified their position by winning their first trophy in the elite league in 2023 – the Carling Knockout Cup.
The club’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] team has won the reserve league twice and the Premier League Nex Gen Cup. Earlier this month, the Cape Town side lost in the final of the MTN8 Cup to Orlando Pirates [3-1].
In their first attempt at continental football, the Steve Barker-coached side made it into the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.
McCarthy points to the club’s track record of developing and selling players as evidence of Stellenbosch FC’s strong foundation and operational excellence.
MCCARTHY ON HOW STELLENBOSCH FC PROLONGS CAREERS
“Stellies is producing players. Stellies is letting players go. Stellies is not holding back. If you’re a player and off the field, you have discipline issues, nightlife, they deal with you cut short,” McCarthy told FARPost. “They don’t leave a rotten apple in the bag; they deal with you?”
Despite their potential, Stellenbosch FC let Kgaogelo Sekgota and Darrel Matsheke go, highlighting the club’s strict adherence to disciplinary standards.
McCarthy highlights Stellenbosch’s commitment to player nutrition through its dedicated High-Performance Centre, a rarity among South African clubs. He recalls his experience with a strict diet while preparing for the 2000 Summer Olympics and noted a significant improvement in his performance.
“Even if you’re married or single, there’s a 3-course meal there for you. If I could have been in a set-up like Stellies for five years, I’d have played five more years knowing I woke up to a proper nutrition breakfast.
“I had a dietician, but I couldn’t afford it. After the Olympics, I stopped because I couldn’t keep up; it was so expensive. But it works. These boys needed a dietician, financial adviser, personal trainer and sports psychologist. The game has evolved.”
He also sees great value in the club’s cross-training environment, where footballers can share insights and learn from athletes in other sports like boxing and swimming.
“You can sit with these athletes, with a sprinter, and have coffee and ask them questions. With a swimmer on your left, at the back, that’s a boxer. That’s a suitable environment for me.”
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