Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper Sean Roberts has pointed out the reasons why Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens deserves the Bafana Bafana call-up.
Stephens was named in Hugo Broos’ 38-man Bafana preliminary squad this past Thursday, 31 October 2024. This was the 33-year-old’s first-ever call-up for the national team.
Broos’ charges are set to take on Uganda and South Sudan this month for the CAF 2025 AFCON qualifiers. The Belgian mentor will trim down the squad to 23 players for the two matches in the coming days.
South Africa will face Uganda on Friday, November 15, 2024, away from home, and four days later, Bafana will welcome South Sudan at Cape Town Stadium.
In the current campaign, Stephens has kept nine clean sheets from 14 appearances across all competitions for the Cape Winelands-based outfit. He only conceded eight goals from those 14 matches.
Meanwhile, last season, the talented goalkeeper played in 30 games in all competitions for Stellies, keeping 15 clean sheets while conceding 23 goals.
Stephens played a significant role in helping Stellies secure a third-place finish in the SA top-flight to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup and win their first-ever trophy – the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup.
WHAT DID SEAN ROBERTS SAY ABOUT SAGE STEPHENS’ BAFANA BAFANA CALL-UP?
Roberts, the retired goalkeeper, stated that Stephens deserves the Bafana call-up more than anyone else due to his outstanding performances at club level last season and in the current campaign.
“I think if there is one keeper who deserves a call-up, it is Sage. If you look at his statistics, he is right up there,” said Roberts in an interview with FARPost.
“You know, he is one of, if not the most consistent keepers around [in the PSL]. He has carried the team in most cases.
“I think it is great for Bafana, as we need more keepers fighting for that position. That number two position [in the goalkeeping department] is up for grabs.”
Stephens will be competing with Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine from Orlando Pirates and Ricardo Goss of SuperSport United to make it in Broos’ final 23-man squad.
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