Simon Van Duivenbooden: South African Striker Leaves PSL Club, Joins European Side

• Simon van Duivenbooden has decided to leave Premier Soccer League side Cape Town City for a move back to Europe
• The South African striker joined the Citizens in 2025 from Dutch side Vitesse after being linked with several clubs in the PSL
• The former Vitesse striker's move back to Europe gathered mixed reactions from Mzansi football lovers on social media

South African forward Simon van Duivenbooden has signed a one-year contract with Finnish side Vaasan Palloseura following his departure from Cape Town City.

The 23-year-old was once named in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad by Hugo Broos, but the Belgian coach didn't later include him in the final squad.

He spent most of his footballing career in Europe before joining the Citizens in 2025. He has now moved back abroad, but not to the Netherlands.

PSL sides linked with Van Duivenbooden

Several PSL outfits have been monitoring the situation of Simon van Duivenbooden following his uncertain future at Cape Town City.

Read also

Injury crisis deepens as Springboks lose key player for extended period

The South African club reportedly entered discussions in December about ending Van Duivenbooden’s contract just half a year after he joined. The 23-year-old forward found opportunities hard to come by, making fewer than five appearances for the second-tier side and failing to find the back of the net.

Sensing an opportunity, Betway Premiership side Sekhukhune United were prepared to move quickly to secure his services on a free transfer. Babina Noko, head coach Eric Tinkler is understood to have admired Van Duivenbooden’s profile, believing his playing style would fit well within his system.

He once declared his admiration for joining Kaizer Chiefs when he wanted to leave Vitesse and decided to return to South Africa, but the Glamour Boys didn't show interest in signing him.

Van Duivenbooden joins Vaasan Palloseura

Van Duivenbooden had joined the Citizens from Dutch club Vitesse in August 2025 but found opportunities limited in Cape Town, ending his stint without scoring or assisting.

Read also

Pirates shake up standings as Magesi FC win sends them above Chiefs

The 23-year-old’s arrival at the Veikkausliiga club was officially confirmed on Friday, January 30, 2026.

“Welcome to Raita, Simon! ," the Finnish club statement reads

"Our new 23-year-old Dutch striker brings valuable experience from both the Netherlands’ top flight and its second division 🔥”

Sports Director of the Veikkausliiga club Tommi Pikkarainen added:

“He’s a physically imposing forward with a solid development background. His technical, tactical, and physical skills all indicate he’s well-prepared to find the back of the net.”

Here is what fans are saying on social media about Van Duivenbooden's decision to return to Europe.

Sihleka Qho Ekapa wrote:

"This came to SA in Cape Town City, thinking he'll go to world cup with Bafana."

Mpumeleo Mthembu shared:

"Some people wanted this striker to play for Bafana Bafana while he was playing for Vitesse 🙄. There is this guy called Prince Sibanyoni who is busy promoting and overhyping mediocre, unknown players who are playing in Europe just because they happen to have SA roots 🙄."

Read also

Khanyi Mbau celebrates Netflix's 10-year milestone in South Africa

Thlogi Kekana said:

"Can't understand why Bafana Bafana kept ignoring Lars Veldwijk. That guy's too good but never got the chance to gel at Bafana. Politics!"

Zet Zet reacted:

"Yet he wanted to play for BB but cannot score in the Motsepe League 🤣🤣🤣."

Laz Magida commented:

"This shows that everyone can go overseas, irrespective of their quality as a player."

Thabang Motlhabane added:

"All the best to Simon Van Duivenbooden. He's just a promising striker."

SA international leaves Sundowns for Europe

Briefly News also reported that a Bafana Bafana star has left Sundowns for a move to Europe after failing to make Cardoso's starting line-up.

The South African international is seeking enough playing time as he looks forward to making Bafana Bafana's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Source: Briefly News