Stellenbosch FC's homegrown talent, Antonio van Wyk sent a touching farewell message to the Cape Winelands club.
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The story
After being unveiled by his new Austrian club, SV Ried, Antonio van Wyk penned a heartwarming goodbye to his Stellenbosch FC family.
Stellies confirmed the sale on van Wyk earlier this month, with the youngster joining SV Reid, who play in second tier Austrian football, for an undisclosed fee.
"As I embark on my new journey abroad, I'll be forever grateful for what the club has done for me physically, spiritually and mentally," noted van Wyk at the start of his statement, adding:
"I started at Stellenbosch when the club was fighting to stay in the PSL and I believe over the last few years, through all the struggles and setbacks, we have risen to become a formidable opponent that no team wants to play against.
"That has also helped me to grow individually and I leave the team as a better footballer, friend and most importantly, a better brother," stated the baller, admitting that it's a dream for him to play in Europe.
"I have chosen this route because it has been my dream to play in Europe and I hope I open doors for others in Cape Town so that young players can see it is not impossible to play in the PSL and abroad.
"I want to say thank you to our incredible supporters and everyone at Stellenbosch FC, from the chefs and the cleaners, to the coaches and management. This is not goodbye, but 'see you later,'" read the baller's statement.
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Antonio van Wyk has penned a heartfelt farewell message to the SFC family all the way from Austria ?????? pic.twitter.com/RNC6uuS6uV
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) September 27, 2024
The 22-year-old broke through into Stellies' first team in the 2020/21 season after graduating from the club's development structures.
He was helped by his solid performance in the DStv Diski Challenge campaign and Premier League Next Generation Cup, proving pivotal in both title wins in 2022.
Van Wyk made 77 senior appearances for the club and became an important member of coach Steve Barker's set up, playing in midfield and out wide.