Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens has laid down a challenge for his side ahead of this weekend’s MTN8 final, saying they don’t need to fear cup specialists Orlando Pirates.
The odds are stacked against Stellies as the Buccaneers bid for a third Wafa Wafa title in a row, while the Cape Winelands outfit are making their maiden appearance in the cup final.
Despite it being a historic event for Stellies, Stephens has his own history with this cup final having tasted as a youngster with Moroka Swallows in 2010 and in 2012 when the Dube Birds won it. He reached the final again with Cape Town City in 2017 and won it in 2018. This year, he has played a key role in getting his club to the final keeping clean sheets in the two-legged semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 33-year-old spoke to iDiski Times editor Rob Delport in the latest edition of the newspaper, where he acknowledged Pirates’ threat and capabilities. Stephens also spoke confidently about how the Marron Army are just as good as their peers and have ambition to cause an upset and create their own history
“Pirates are always a dangerous team,” Stephens told iDiski Times.
“They’ve shown their capabilities, winning the MTN8 twice. So, it’s going to be tough for us. We got past Sundowns, but we can’t think that because we beat Sundowns, we just going to win the trophy. It doesn’t work like that. Each game is different, and a final is a once-off thing, whereas the semi-final was two legs.
“So, I think this Pirates game is going to be tremendously difficult, but saying that Stellenbosch, we’ve also got our own strengths, and our squad is just as good as any other team in the PSL.
“So, I don’t think we need to fear Pirates or their record. No, because we are out to set our own records. We are out to chase our own goals and targets.
“So, I think going to the game, we can be very confident with what we have as a club. If we show up on the day, there’s no reason why we can’t come out of this game victorious.”
