Ashley Du Preez

Ashley Du Preez is a South African professional footballer who has built his career around pace, movement and goals, rising from Stellenbosch's Idas Valley to play for one of the country's biggest clubs and represent Bafana Bafana.

Born on 16 July 1997 in Stellenbosch, Du Preez is a forward who is capable of playing through the middle or from the wings. He is predominantly left-footed.

Starting at Stellenbosch

Du Preez began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC in 2016, featuring in the club's very first match when he came off the bench against Mthatha Bucks in the National First Division.

He went on to spend six years with the club, making 98 appearances in all competitions. During that period, he was part of the team that helped Stellenbosch earn promotion to the top flight in 2019.

His performances eventually attracted the attention of Kaizer Chiefs, leading to a move to Naturena ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Kaizer Chiefs

Du Preez spent four seasons with Amakhosi, becoming an important attacking option for the club.

During his Chiefs career, he made 96 official appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing six assists. He was also part of the Chiefs squad that lifted the 2025 Nedbank Cup, ending the club's long trophy drought.

His time at Chiefs also brought international recognition.

Bafana Bafana

Du Preez received his first Bafana Bafana call-up in September 2022 under coach Hugo Broos.

He made his international debut as a substitute in the 4–0 victory over Sierra Leone, before making his first start against Botswana a few days later. He has earned two senior caps for South Africa.

A return to Stellenbosch

In August 2026, Du Preez completed a permanent move back to Stellenbosch FC after four years at Kaizer Chiefs.

The move has a strong homecoming element. The 29-year-old was born and raised in Idas Valley, and Stellenbosch described his return as bringing one of its own back to where his professional journey began.

He has been handed the No. 10 shirt for the 2026/27 season and signed a long-term deal with the club.

Du Preez said he always knew he would eventually return to Stellenbosch, describing the opportunity to represent his hometown again as a "huge honour and privilege".

Quick facts

• Full name: Ashley Du Preez
• Born: 16 July 1997
• Birthplace: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
• Age: 29
• Position: Forward
• Preferred foot: Left
• Former clubs: Stellenbosch FC, Kaizer Chiefs
• Current club: Stellenbosch FC
• Bafana Bafana caps: 2
• Kaizer Chiefs appearances: 96
• Kaizer Chiefs goals: 19
• Major honour: 2025 Nedbank Cup
• Jersey number: 10 at Stellenbosch FC

Du Preez's story has now come full circle: from Idas Valley, to Stellenbosch FC, to Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana — and back to the club where it all began.