Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens could make his debut for Bafana Bafana when they play their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan on Tuesday.
Bafana Bafana secured their qualification for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations before their 2-0 victory over Uganda last Thursday. Coach Hugo Broos might take advantage of Tuesday’s match to provide some players with a rare opportunity to start in the national team.
Speaking to the media last week, Stephens admitted it has been emotional for him to receive a call-up. At 33, he could make his debut for Bafana but the Stellies star is not too bothered about getting minutes.
“It’s been a week for me, an emotional week spending it with loved ones and family. Funny enough that path has led me to this stadium where it all started. If I were to script it myself, I don’t think I would have scripted it any better to make my first call up at the stadium where I played my first football game for the team that I played my first game for,” Sage said.
“So, very blessed and very honoured to have this privilege,” he said.
Can Stephens make his Bafana debut in Cape Town?
Stephens is one of the three keepers in the squad alongside Ronwen Williams and Sipho Chaine.
“The first person I spoke to was my wife, reaction? Actually, I couldn’t believe it. Funny enough as I said before in my interviews before this, I can only control my performances and ultimately the decision lies with the coach and as we all expect, the coach has done a magnificent job and when I saw my name there for the first time officially, I was very emotional,” he added.
“I don’t wanna say it out loud 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 also encouraged other players to keep pushing regardless of age.
“To have your first call-up at the age of 33 for me it’s an incredible feat. The only thing I would like to say is that it’s never over until you decide it’s over. Ultimately, everyone’s got their own journey to follow and their own path to lead and the only thing I can say is never to give up,” he said.
Should Broos field Stephens?
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