CAFCC: Media, teams underestimate Stellenbosch FC—Sage Stephens

.Sage Stephens: Photo Credit: Stellenbosch FC.

Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens has admitted that the South African club is viewed as underdogs going into Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup semifinal, first leg match against hosts Simba SC in Tanzania.

He told Stellenbosch media that being viewed as underdogs has helped them to remain humble and prove their quality on the pitch. “We are fully focused on ensuring that we come out on top. We will give everything on the pitch. We expect a good game and are focused,” he said.

“A lot of teams and journalists underestimated us and our quality. From the start, a lot of people thought we wouldn't be in this competition, let alone in the semifinal, and that is one thing that Stellenbosch prides itself in—to have humility and remain as humble as possible and let the quality showcase on the pitch.”

Steve Barker’s men have come a long way in the continental competition and attracted attention after they stunned Zamalek SC 1-0 in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter final second leg at the Cairo International Stadium recently to qualify for the last-four stage. The first-leg ended goalless.

It is a feat for Barker's men, who are participating in the competition for the first time.