New Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Dejean Ah Shene and coach Steve Barker. (Picture: StellenboschFC/Twitter)
Newly signed Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Dejean Ah Shene says seeing the club give many players an opportunity to play in the DStv Premiership motivated him to join the team.
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Shene was announced as the club’s new shot-stopper on Thursday, with the 18-year-old joining Stellies from lower division side Ubuntu FC, who ply their trade in the Western Cape’s ABC Motsepe Foundation League.
The teenage goalkeeper, who is a former South Africa national Under-17 team makes a switch to Stellenbosch where he will be competing for a place in the starting line-up with Lee Langeveldt, Sage Stephens and Keegan Pool.
“The way that the Stellenbosch FC first team gives players opportunities in the PSL was really a motivating factor, and left me to think that I could also be there one day because I know I have the potential to fulfill that dream,” Ah Shene said.
“Seeing the style of play that Stellenbosch plays compared to other PSL teams also encouraged me. The team likes moving the ball around and that’s the way I like to play, because I like building up from the back.”
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At Stellenbosch, Shene will reunite with his former goalkeeper coach at Ubuntu Pernell Mckop. The goalkeeper reveals that he has always been in constant communication with Mckop, who always advises him and says that the goalkeeper coach wanted him to join Stellies.
“Before I joined, Coach P (Pernell Mckop) would always message me, check upon me and give me advice. He always wanted me here and that also boosted me, and I know I can grow and develop my game even further under him because he’s a good coach,” he added.
“With that kind of support, I can only become a better player. When a coach supports you, it motivates you even further and you don’t want to disappoint them, so I just want to give 100% for them and for the club all of the time.”
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch will travel to Johannesburg for a meeting with Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
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