Stellenbosch and South Africa U23 defender Luthando Vena has attracted interest from the Belgian Pro League after an impressive start to life in the professional ranks.
The 19-year-old centre-back represents the core of Stellenbosch’s vision as a local talent from Kayamandi who joined their academy set-up at the age of 16 and quickly rose through the ranks.
“It’s a great honour for me to sign my first professional contract with Stellenbosch FC,” Vena said at the time. “I worked hard for this, and I’m happy that I’m able to make my mother proud.”
At the end of July, he signed his first professional contract after an impressive season in the DStv Diski Challenge and has since become a mainstay in Gavin Hunt’s defence, featuring in every minute of the league campaign.
His form led to a call-up to the U23 national team, where he made his debut in the 3-1 win over Algeria in Bloemfontein this past week.
And it appears, he could follow in the footsteps of another former Stellenbosch talent, Olwethu Makhanya – who quickly earned a move abroad after just one season in the first team.
iDiski Times have reliably been informed SV Zulte Waregem have been monitoring the teenage defensive prospect ahead of the January window.
It’s been suggested several Major League Soccer (MLS) sides have enquired about his availability as well, with the success of Makhanya and Mbekezeli Mbokazi bringing more eyes on the Premier Soccer League for defensive talents for potential moves to the United States of America.
Vena is not the only player to have emerged from the DDC set-up for Stellenbosch this season, with Quwan
Plaatjies, Raoul Daniels also making an impact in the first team since their respective promotions.