From Khakhu Fast XI to Silver Stars, and finally Platinum Stars, this club’s journey is one of South African football’s most compelling tales. Born in rural Limpopo, matured in the PSL spotlight, and rebranded in Rustenburg with trophy glory, their story spans two provinces, multiple identities, and a legacy that still echoes across the nation. Whether remembered as Stars or Dikwena, they represented the dream that a “small club” could do big things.
🟨 SECTION 2: Club Overview
Quick Facts About Silver/Platinum Stars
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Silver Stars FC → Platinum Stars FC |
| Nicknames | Stars (Silver Stars), Dikwena (“Crocodiles”) |
| Founded | 1937 (as Khakhu Fast XI) / 1998 (Silver Stars) |
| Rebranded | 2007 → Platinum Stars |
| Original Base | Giyani/Mapate, Limpopo |
| Later Base | Rustenburg, North West |
| Stadiums | Giyani Stadium, Peter Mokaba → Royal Bafokeng Stadium |
| Colors | Silver Stars – White & Blue / Platinum Stars – Blue & Silver |
| Status | Defunct (sold and renamed 2018 to Cape Umoya United) |
🟨 SECTION 3: The Origins – Silver Stars
From Village Team to PSL Club
Founded as Khakhu Fast XI in 1937 in Venda, the club was reborn as Mapate Silver Stars in 1998. After winning promotion from the Vodacom League, they climbed into the National First Division. Businessman Larry Brookstone, then-owner of Highlands Park, bought a 50% stake in 2000, merging the clubs into Silver Stars. Though based in Johannesburg administratively, the club played home matches in Polokwane, keeping its Limpopo identity.
🟨 SECTION 4: PSL Breakthrough
A Limpopo Team Dazzles the Big League
- Promotion to PSL: 2003
- Coach: Owen da Gama – architect of the club’s rise
- Reputation: Disciplined, well-organized, and dangerous to PSL giants
- Home Matches: Initially in Giyani, later at Peter Mokaba Stadium
- Tactical Identity: Compact defense, swift counterattacks, and underdog fire
Silver Stars became a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets discipline. Under Da Gama’s leadership, they weren’t just surviving — they were competing, even beating giants like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
🟨 SECTION 5: 2006–07 – Silver Stars Shine
Crowning Glory Before the Change
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Telkom Knockout | Champions (2006) – beat Ajax Cape Town |
| PSL Finish | 2nd place in 2006–07 season |
| CAF Qualification | Earned CAF Confederation Cup spot |
| Top Players | Henrico Botes, Surprise Moriri, Stanley Kgatla |
The 2006–07 season was historic. Silver Stars claimed their first major trophy and finished just behind Mamelodi Sundowns. Their success proved that a well-coached provincial team could dream beyond survival.
🟨 SECTION 6: Rebranding – Platinum Stars Era
A New Chapter in Rustenburg
In 2007, the Royal Bafokeng Nation bought a majority stake, moved the club to Rustenburg, and renamed it Platinum Stars. The move aimed to leverage football for development in the North West province, with the club playing at the world-class Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
| Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| Renaming to Platinum Stars | Aligned with local mining wealth |
| Home Base Shift | From Limpopo to Rustenburg |
| Community Involvement | Strong youth academy support from Bafokeng Nation |
🟨 SECTION 7: Dikwena’s Golden Era
Trophy Winners and Giant-Killers
| Competition | Titles Won | Notable Season |
|---|---|---|
| Telkom Knockout | 2006, 2013 | Beat Pirates in both finals |
| MTN 8 | 2013 | Beat Kaizer Chiefs in final |
| PSL Runners-Up | – | 2012–13 season |
| CAF Confederation Cup | Qualified | 2014 group stages |
Coaches:
- Allan Freese – Tactical mastermind behind double cup win in 2013
- Cavin Johnson – Guided PSL consistency
🟨 SECTION 8: The Sudden Fall
2018 – A Club Sold and Dissolved
Despite their success, Platinum Stars began to struggle financially after the Royal Bafokeng Nation pulled its funding. In 2018, the club’s PSL license was sold to Cape Umoya United, and Platinum Stars ceased to exist. The Rustenburg faithful were left shocked and heartbroken.
🟨 SECTION 9: Final Tribute
From Silver to Platinum – The Journey Remembered
Whether known as Silver Stars, Platinum Stars, or Dikwena, this club’s journey is one of football’s great stories. They rose from humble beginnings to win trophies, represent rural pride, and carve out a place in PSL history. Their disappearance in 2018 was sudden, but their legacy is permanent — a glittering reminder that small beginnings can lead to great glory.
