Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker hailed the heroics of Sage Stephens after he came off the bench to save two penalties and scored in the shootout victory over Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday afternoon.
Stephens, the team’s regular captain and starter, had come on in the second half for the injured Oscarine Masuluke, and made a few good saves before the match ended goalless after 120 minutes of football.
Then, during the deciding shootout, Stephens saved two spot kicks. He had also scored Stellies’ fourth penalty to keep them alive.
Just before the shoot-out, Barker, Stephens and assistant Evangelos Vellios were spotted in a moment of prayer, and iDiski Times asked Barker about what was said.
“Prayer is powerful,” Barker replied.
“So, we just prayed together before the penalty shoot-out.
“And so, I’m very happy for Sage. He lives with his heart and soul for the club. He gives everything, every single time he has the opportunity. He’s a great leader for the football club.
“You know, his heart and soul is in the football club. And before the game, he was not starting today, he understood it, was fully behind the decision and fully behind Oscarine.
“And so, he deserves that joy of saving two big penalties and probably took the calmest penalty out of everybody.”
Stellenbosch will face Marumo Gallants away in the quarter-finals.
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