Recently, Sean Roberts, a former goalkeeper for both Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town, has stepped up to advocate for Sage Stephens, the current goalkeeper for Stellenbosch FC.

Roberts passionately believes that Stephens deserves his place in the Bafana Bafana lineup, especially following his inclusion in the preliminary squad announced by coach Hugo Broos.

Stephens’ First National Team Opportunity

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, Hugo Broos revealed a 38-man preliminary squad for the upcoming matches against Uganda and South Sudan, marking an exciting milestone for 33-year-old Sage Stephens.

This will be his debut call-up to the national team, setting the stage for a potential future in international play.

As South Africa gears up for the CAF 2025 AFCON qualifiers, the squad will soon be narrowed down to 23 players.

The Bafana Bafana will first face Uganda on November 15, 2024, away from home.

They will then host South Sudan at Cape Town Stadium just four days later, offering Stephens a chance to showcase his skills on a significant platform.

Stellar Performance in the League

Sage Stephens has been on fire this season, recording an impressive nine clean sheets in just 14 matches across all competitions.

With only eight goals conceded, he has proven to be a formidable presence in goal for Stellies.

Last season, he played 30 matches and achieved 15 clean sheets, conceding 23 goals.

His stellar performances were crucial in helping Stellenbosch FC secure third place in the league and clinch their first-ever trophy, the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup.

Roberts’ Strong Endorsement

During a conversation with FARPost, Sean Roberts expressed his conviction that Stephens is the most deserving candidate for a Bafana Bafana call-up, citing his impressive statistics and consistency.

“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,” Roberts stated.

He praised Stephens for being one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the PSL, emphasizing how he has often carried his team through tough matches.

Roberts highlighted the importance of having competitive goalkeepers within the national setup, noting, “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.”

A Competitive Goalkeeping Landscape

As the final squad announcement approaches, Stephens will face competition from several talented goalkeepers, including Ronwen Williams from Sundowns, Sipho Chaine of Orlando Pirates, and Ricardo Goss from SuperSport United.

The competition is fierce, but Roberts’ endorsement could be a pivotal factor in securing Stephens’ place on the national team.

The football community eagerly awaits the final selections as South Africa looks to make a strong statement in the upcoming qualifiers.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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