Stellenbosch FC have been dealt a significant setback in their pursuit of a top-three finish in the Betway Premiership, with goalkeeper Sage Stephens ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a calf injury.
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The 32-year-old sustained the injury during the warm-up before the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final against Zamalek last month. Despite the setback, he played the full match and kept a clean sheet in Stellenbosch’s 1-0 victory, which secured their historic progression to the semi-finals.
Since then, Oscarine Masuluke has stepped in between the posts, featuring in the club’s last five matches—three of which have ended in league victories against AmaZulu, Chippa United, and Golden Arrows. He was also in goal for both legs of the semi-final tie against Tanzania’s Simba SC, where Stellies bowed out 1-0 on aggregate.
Medical scans have confirmed that Stephens’ injury will sideline him for the rest of the campaign, as Stellenbosch look to pip Sekhukhune United to third place and secure another appearance in continental competition next season.
Head coach Steve Barker has made no secret of his desire for the club to return to the CAF Confederation Cup after this season’s impressive run, which ended just short of the final. A third-place league finish is required to guarantee qualification, but Stellenbosch currently trail Sekhukhune by one point—with a game in hand.
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With three matches remaining, Stellies hold their destiny in their own hands. Maximum points would seal third spot, but a tough run-in awaits: starting with a trip to champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, followed by clashes with relegation-threatened SuperSport United and local rivals Cape Town City.
