Soccer
Stephens eager to play his part for Bafana─── MORGAN PIEK 14:23 Tue, 12 Nov 2024
“I’m just here to play my part and to do it to the best of my ability and to learn as much as possible. If that day were to come in Cape Town or any other day, then I’d have to stand up and be present.”
The Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper and captain Sage Stephens is living the dream after receiving his first call-up to the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.
Stephens is one of three goalkeepers in the squad for the two crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan over the next week.
The Bafana Bafana captain and Ballon d’Or nominee, Ronwen Williams, is the first-choice goalkeeper, while the Bloemfontein-born-and-bred Sipho Chaine of Orlando Pirates is a regular back-up in the squad.
At 33, Stephens came into the squad at the expense of the injured Ricardo Goss from SuperSport United. Whether or not Stephens gets to play in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan remains to be seen.
The former Moroka Swallows and AmaZulu shot-stopper admitted that it was a very proud moment when he received the call-up and he had to fight shedding a tear.
“The first person I spoke to was my wife,” said Stephens.
‘I had to choke back a few tears because it’s a very special moment for me’
“I couldn’t believe it, and funny enough, as I said before in my interviews, I said the same thing, I can only control my performance. Ultimately, the decision lies with the coach and as we all respect, the coach has done a magnificent job.
“When I saw my name there for the first time officially, I was very emotional. I don’t want to say it aloud, but I had to choke back a few tears because it’s a very special moment for me, it’s a big achievement for me personally, and I’m just so grateful for it.”
Stephens said while he is excited to be in the squad he realises that he is at the bottom of the pecking order, and for now his main goal is to soak up as much as he can in the environment.
Ronwen Williams. Photo: Morgan Piek
“Coach Hugo’s got the decision on the team selection and for me personally, I have to give credit to Ronwen, you know, honestly, he’s the big dog here and rightfully so, he’s done the bits on the field, so respect to him,” Stephens added.
“But I’m just here to play my part and to do it to the best of my ability and to learn as much as possible. If that day were to come in Cape Town or any other day, then I’d have to stand up and be present.”
Friday’s qualifier between Uganda and Bafana in Kampala kicks off at 15:00. Should South Africa win against Uganda they will qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, and Stephens may be given an opportunity to play against South Sudan in Cape Town on Tuesday.
