CAFCC: Boost for Stellenbosch as captain Sage Stephens fit to face Simba SC
- Dennis Kegengo
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
Photo Credit - Stellenbosch FC Media.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has confirmed the availability of captain and goalkeeper Sage Stephens for their first leg semi-final clash of the CAF Confederation Cup at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on Sunday.
Stephens was not in action as the Cape Winelands-based outfit secured a 1-0 win against AmaZulu in a Betway Premiership fixture on Tuesday owing to an injury. However, as they prepared to travel for the inter-club competition clash, Barker confirmed he will be among the travelling party.
“I saw Sage and had a little bit of follow-up [about the injury progress after the AmaZulu game],” said Barker as quoted by FARPost. “The reason he didn’t play [against AmaZulu FC] was to let him recover fully. But he seems to be good.
“So, he will travel with the team to Tanzania. I’m confident that by the weekend, he will be available. He seems to have recovered from the injury. He has been big for us this whole season, and it’s important for him to be available.”
The Stellies qualified for the last four of the competition following a 1-0 aggregate win against defending champions Zamalek of Egypt. They drew 0-0 in the first leg at home but travelled to Egypt where they stunned Zamalek 1-0.
On the other hand, the Msimbazi Reds qualified following a 4-1 penalty win against Al Masry of Egypt. Simba had lost the first 2-0 away but returned home to level the scores at 2-2 and take the game to penalties where they emerged winners.