Ashley du Preez Kaizer Chiefs

It’s been a whirlwind couple of days for Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley du Preez – and the 24-year-old couldn’t be happier! Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Ashley du Preez: Life-changing couple of days for star striker

It’s been a whirlwind couple of days for Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley du Preez – and the 24-year-old couldn’t be happier!

Ashley du Preez Kaizer Chiefs

It’s been a whirlwind couple of days for Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley du Preez – and the 24-year-old couldn’t be happier! Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

It’s been a whirlwind couple of days for Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley du Preez.

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The 24-year-old was selected for the first time for the national side when coach Hugo Broos announced a preliminary 38-man squad for two upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Bafana Bafana are due to face Morocco (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in June and Du Preez will be hoping to replicate his red-hot form in this season’s DStv Premiership at international level.

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Ashley du Preez has scored nine goals and had three assists in 28 DStv Premiership appearances for Stellies this season.

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According to Kickoff, Du Preez said: “I’m very excited, to be honest. It’s an honour to play for Bafana Bafana and I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.

“So, I’m very happy and very excited at the same time.”

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Du Preez is widely regarded as one of the quickest forwards in Mzansi and scored twice in the Winelands side’s shock 3-0 victory over champions Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend.

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Stellenbosch boss Steve Barker added: “Ashley has been knocking on the door for a while now.

“He is one of those players who’s really difficult to play against if used correctly.

“He can be a player, whether starting or coming on [as a substitute] at a Bafana level, who can add something different to the team when required… He used to come and train with us when I was still with coach Sammy [Troughton] five years back and he was a youngster so he’s been with the club for many years.

“He has sacrificed a lot, trained hard and worked hard, and he is really committed so I’m delighted for him that he is getting his opportunity.”

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In addition to his Bafana Bafana news, it’s been reported that Du Preez is on the verge of signing for Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs.

Kaizer Chiefs have signed Ashley du Preez’ team-mate

Amakhosi are looking for a change up-front with no fewer than three – possibly more – strikers bidding farewell to Naturena in the off-season.

Those either already gone – or soon to depart – include Samir Nurkovic, Leonardo Castro and Lazarous Kambole.

As reported by The South African website, Kaizer Chiefs have already signed Du Preez’s Stellenbosch team-mate, defender Zitha Kwinika.

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BAFANA BAFANA’S PRELIMINARY SQUAD

Goalkeepers (4): Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)

Defenders (14): Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Lakay (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bandile Shandu (Orlando Pirates), Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates), Thibang Phete (Belenenses, Portugal), Siyabonga Ngezana (Kaizer Chiefs), Taariq Fielies (Cape Town City FC), Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City FC), Luke Fleurs (SuperSport United), Thabani Zuke (Golden Arrows), Athenkosi Mcaba (Stellenbosch FC)

Midfielders (10): Spephele Sithole (Belenenses, Portugal), Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates), Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates), Fortune Makaringe (Orlando Pirates), Yusuf Maart (Sekhukhune United), Lebohang Maboe (Mamelodi Sundowns), Phathutshedzo Nange (Kaizer Chiefs), Jesse Donn (SuperSport United), Mduduzi Mdantsane (Cape Town City FC), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Strikers (10): Thembinkosi Lorch (Orlando Pirates), Ashley du Preez (Stellenbosch FC), Keagan Dolly (Kaizer Chiefs), Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City FC), Fagrie Lakay (Pyramids, Egypt), Lyle Foster (Westerlo, Belgium), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota FC, USA), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows)

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Ashley du Preez in action against Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Backpagepix