DailySun
Devin Titus, a player from Stellenbosch, has set his sights on a more ambitious goal than his former teammates Deano van Rooyen, Iqraam Rayners, and Jayden Adams—he aspires to make his mark on the international stage.
Van Rooyen, Rayners, and Adams have all transitioned to the leading teams in the PSL Betway Premiership: Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively.
Van Rooyen was the first to leave Stellenbosch, signing with Pirates at the beginning of the season. Rayners quickly followed suit, joining Sundowns.
Sundowns strengthened their squad by acquiring the impactful Adams during the January transfer window. Adams has made a notable difference for Masandawana, who are on the verge of securing an unprecedented eighth league title.
In contrast, Titus, a vital component of Steve Barker’s youthful Stellenbosch team, dreams of achieving more than just success in the local league. The team delivered an impressive performance in their first CAF Confederation Cup campaign, reaching the semi-finals before being eliminated by Simba last week.
“I aim to play abroad at the highest level,” Titus expressed, having recorded an impressive 11 goals and six assists in 47 matches for Stellenbosch this season. “However, I’m deeply thankful to Stellenbosch, as they have provided me with so much. I want to give back, and they appreciate that my ultimate goal is to play internationally.”
He added, “[Nonetheless,] I believe every young athlete has that ambition, and I hope to achieve it.”
As Titus and Stellenbosch concluded their Confederation Cup journey in the semi-finals, exceeding expectations, Van Rooyen also experienced a semi-final exit in the CAF Champions League with Orlando Pirates, losing to Pyramids.
Conversely, Adams and Rayners are set to compete in the Champions League final after Mamelodi Sundowns advanced against defending champions Al Ahly on away goals. Sundowns will face Pyramids in a two-legged final later this month and in early June.
Titus extended his best wishes to Adams and Rayners, who played crucial roles in Stellenbosch’s Carling Knockout victory last season—the club’s first major trophy—alongside their third-place finish in the Betway Premiership.
“They are my friends. I hope they can win and bring pride to South Africa, especially since they hail from Stellenbosch,” Titus commented.
