Ivorian defender formerly linked with Orlando Pirates & Kaizer Chiefs ditches Stellenbosch for UAE Pro League outfit

Stellenbosch have been one of the top teams not only in the Premier Soccer League but on the continent at large.

In the 2024/25 season, they reached the semi-final of the Caf Confederation Cup but fell to Fadlu Davids' Simba SC.

Next season, they will be aiming to make it even bigger and better with an improved squad.

However, they will have to do it without their top defender Ismael Toure who has left the team.

The bulky Ivorian has been a rock at the heart of Stellies defence, explaining why last season he was heavily linked to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The Steve Barker-led team has now confirmed Toure will be playing in the Middle East next season.

"Stellenbosch Football Club can confirm that defender Ismael Toure has completed a permanent transfer to UAE Pro League side Baniyas," the club confirmed.

"Toure leaves Stellenbosch after two successful seasons in which he made 76 appearances across all competitions, helping the club win the Carling Knockout in 2023, reach the MTN8 final in 2024, and progress to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final earlier this year.

"The Ivorian centre-back famously scored the equalising goal in the aforementioned Knockout final against TS Galaxy as Stellies went on to win their first-ever top-flight trophy at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, cementing his status in the club’s folklore.

"Everyone at Stellenbosch FC would like to thank Ismaël for his service to the club and wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his career in the United Arab Emirates," they concluded.

Losing Toure is a massive blow to Barker and his team, owing to his quality, ahead of a busy new season.

For the defender, this will be a massive chance to continue growing, especially financially.