Plaatjies among Stellenbosch trio in SA U23 win over Algeria

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Quwan Plaatjies. Photo: Gallo Images

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Plaatjies among Stellenbosch trio in SA U23 win over Algeria

Oct 2, 2026 – 02:16 pm
By Chad Nagel

Stellenbosch FC had plenty to celebrate on the international stage as South Africa’s U23 side came from behind to beat Algeria 3-1 in a friendly in Bloemfontein on Thursday.

Three Stellenbosch players were involved in the encounter, with Siviwe Nkwali and Luthando Vena both named in the starting XI, while Quwan Plaatjies came on as a substitute — and all three made their presence felt.

Plaatjies needed just four minutes to make his mark. After Algeria had opened the scoring, the Stellenbosch attacker was introduced from the bench and quickly found the back of the net to bring Raymond Mdaka’s side level — a goal particularly significant for the youngster as he opened his international account at U23 level.

South Africa then completed the turnaround with another substitute, Faiz Abrahams, scoring to put the hosts ahead. Abrahams is currently on loan at Kaizer Chiefs from Stellenbosch, meaning the Maroons’ influence was felt across the pitch. A third goal sealed a 3-1 victory for the South Africans and gave Mdaka’s side plenty of momentum ahead of the second meeting between the two nations.

Nkwali’s involvement also adds to an encouraging period for the young defender. He was part of the South Africa U20 team that won the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations before representing Amajita at the FIFA U20 World Cup. Vena, meanwhile, was also given an opportunity from the start as the young South African side tested themselves against one of Africa’s established football nations.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, with Plaatjies, Nkwali, Vena and Abrahams all hoping to feature once more. For Stellenbosch, the international involvement provides another indication of the club’s growing contribution to South Africa’s youth national teams — with several of its players gaining valuable experience at international level.