Stellenbosch ready to face Orlando Pirates. Image: Stellenbosch.
(The Post News)– Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens has made it clear that previous results against Orlando Pirates won’t affect their mindset heading into the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium this Saturday at 6pm.
Instead of dwelling on last season’s 3–1 loss to Orlando Pirates, Stephens says the team sees this final as a fresh opportunity both to make history and to bounce back from a slow league start. “We’re not looking at the past. What’s done is done,” Stephens said confidently. “We performed to the best of our abilities last time and gave the fans a good show. This is a new match; we’re treating it as a completely separate game.”
Stellenbosch Preps for Its 3rd Final
Stellenbosch is fully focused on the task at hand as they prepare for the club’s third-ever final. After lifting their first top-flight trophy in the 2024 Carling Knockout, they now have a second chance to win the MTN8, a title they narrowly missed last season.
Stephens, who was in goal during that final, remains optimistic and energized ahead of the rematch. “I’m really looking forward to the occasion. It’s special to play in another cup final,” he said. “The team has worked hard to get here, and this week has been filled with energy. We’re ready to put on a performance.”
He acknowledged Pirates’ dominance in the competition, having won the last three MTN8 titles in a row, but emphasized that Stellenbosch brings its own strengths to the final. “We respect Pirates; they’re tough to face any day, and they’ve proven their quality with three straight titles,” Stephens admitted. “But Stellenbosch has its own identity and qualities. We see this as just another match and a big opportunity. And really, who better than us to end their MTN8 streak?”
Last season’s final included controversy, particularly around Tshegofatso Mabasa’s second goal, assisted by Relebohile Mofokeng, which stemmed from a disputed free kick. Mofokeng later sealed the victory with a third goal. But Stephens dismissed any suggestion that this history would weigh on their minds.
“From the beginning of the tournament, we’ve taken things one game at a time. This final is no different,” he said. Although Stellies have picked up just four points from their first five league matches, with three losses against heavyweights Sundowns, Pirates, and Chiefs, Stephens believes a cup win could reignite their season.
“This is a one-off match. The best team on the day will take the trophy,” he said. “Yes, we’ve had a slow start in the league, but when you look at the opponents and how we played, the margins have been small. We’ve fixed some of those details, and now we’re focusing on the positives.” “A win here could give us the momentum we need to push forward in the league.”
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