Stellenbosch goalkeeper and captain Sage Stephens has become the club’s record appearance holder and was honoured after his side’s 1-0 victory over AmaZulu at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday.
The goalkeeper achieved the milestone in Stellenbosch’s goalless draw against Singida Black Stars in the CAF Confederation Cup on 15 February, which was played at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Stephens made his 162nd appearance for the Maroons in that game, overtaking previous record-holder Deano van Rooyen who now plays for Orlando Pirates, and marked the occasion by keeping a clean sheet.
He was presented with a special jersey with the number of asppearances to mark his milestone on Friday and secured a much needed three points, and a clean sheet, in the Betway Premiership.
The 34-year-old shot stopper began his career as a back-up option at Moroka Swallows before becoming the number two at AmaZulu before joining Cape Town City. He joined Stellies from the Citizens in September 2020.
“It’s difficult to describe the feeling because I never thought I’d achieve the record or even come close to it,” said Stephens, as per Stellenbosch’s official website.
“I have to pinch myself because my time at Stellenbosch has gone above and beyond all my expectations.”
He has achieved great things at the club, winning the 2023 Carling Knockout, reaching back-to-back MTN8 finals, and reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup in the club’s first season of continental football.
“When I joined the Club, I just wanted to play regularly, so to have achieved what we have since, winning the Carling Knockout, playing in the CAF Confederation Cup, and for me personally getting to play for Bafana Bafana, is a testament to a top Club and a top team. I couldn’t have scripted it any better myself,” Stephens said.
The goalkeeper revealed that he was once told he was not starting material, a comment which fueled him to reach the heights he has, including a cap for Bafana Bafana.
“At a previous club, I was told I’m the best number two in the country but that I wasn’t viewed as a number one. That wasn’t great to hear, but I used it as extra motivation. You can’t listen to one person’s opinion. You have to make sure you believe in what you see in the mirror every day; otherwise, you won’t get anywhere.”
