Stellenbosch FC buoyed by attacking form before Golden Arrows test

Stellenbosch FC will take confidence from their recent goalscoring form into their Golden Arrows clash, with goalkeeper Sage Stephens saying the team’s six goals in two matches are evidence of the work being done on the training ground.

Stellies ended a difficult start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season with a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in their most recent match. It was their first win of the campaign and followed a 3-3 draw away to Polokwane City.

The two results have given Stellenbosch encouragement ahead of their next fixture, although Stephens believes the side still need to improve defensively after conceding six goals across those matches.

“No, there’s a lot of confidence in the camp, like I said the team throughout the whole pre-season, we’ve been working very hard and it shows with our performances,” Sage said.

“Though we haven’t picked up as many points as we would have liked in the past three games, scoring six goals in two games just shows the work that goes on behind the scenes. So, it’s confidence, the boys upfront are doing really well.

“I just think we need to balance that a little bit at the back but like I said it’s work in progress but to score three goals back to back it just shows the level of confidence the boys have.”

Stellenbosch have not played since 14 August, leaving them with more preparation time than most teams ahead of this week’s fixtures. Stephens said the extended period between matches had been used intensively by the coaching staff, with the squad responding positively.

The veteran goalkeeper added that the atmosphere at the club had remained upbeat during the past week as the players focused on the Golden Arrows match.

“Preparations have been very good, like everyone knows, we’ve had a lot of time to prepare, games every three days. So, I think the coaches put us through our paces and intensity was very high at training,” he added.

“Planning for the game has been superb, I think the guys were ready for the game on Wednesday and coming off a good result in the past game against Gallants, so camp is positive.”

Stellenbosch’s recent run has combined an improved attacking output with the need for greater defensive balance. Their draw against Polokwane City and win over Marumo Gallants produced six goals in total, while the victory over Gallants provided the club with their first three points of the new Betway Premiership season.

Stephens believes that progress reflects the effort made throughout pre-season and during daily training. While Stellenbosch have not collected as many points as they wanted from their past three matches, the goalkeeper says the confidence shown by the forwards is a positive sign.

With preparations described as intense and the squad encouraged by their latest result, Stellenbosch will look to build on their win over Marumo Gallants when they face Golden Arrows.