Stellenbosch captain Sage Stephens expects ‘ultimate test’ against Durban City in Carling Knockout

Stellenbosch captain Sage Stephens says his side will face an “ultimate test” when they visit Durban City in the Carling Knockout last 16 at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday (7pm).

Durban City will go into the tie in celebratory mood after securing an historic place in the CAF Confederation Cup group phase on Sunday. Stephens believes that achievement will make the hosts an even more difficult opponent, despite the short turnaround between the two matches.

“It’s always special [playing in the Carling Knockout] because winning it [in 2023] was a big milestone for the club. It was the first major trophy that we won, so it’s always nice to compete in this competition,” Stephens told the club media department.

“​​But we don’t want to live too much in the past. There has been a big overhaul to the squad and it’s now up to the new guys to lay the building blocks for the future.

“I hope that we can start doing that during Wednesday’s game against a tough opponent and then see how far we can go from there.”

Stephens, Genino Palace, Darrel Matseke and Qobolwakhe Sibande are the only remaining members of the Stellenbosch squad that won the Carling trophy three years ago.

The captain said the new arrivals were determined to match that team’s achievement by taking the club all the way to the title.

“Change is inevitable. We know players aren’t all going to stay here for their whole careers and we did have a big overhaul, but it’s important from early on with the new players that we establish the foundations that the club has been built on,” he said.

“The club and the coaching staff have done well in terms of the players that have been brought in, who have just added value.

“It’s a lot of guys who are hardworking and a mix of seasoned professionals and youngsters that are hungry to make their name on the big stage.

“We just have to make sure that the foundations remain in place as players transition and come and leave, then the club will still be here for a long time competing on all levels.”

Fixtures

Carling Knockout

Wednesday: Durban City v Stellenbosch, Chatsworth Stadium (7pm).

League

Friday: Gallants v Siwelele, Royal Bafokeng (7.30pm).

Saturday: Pirates v Chiefs, FNB Stadium (3.30pm); Milford v Sekhukhune, Sugar Ray Xulu (3.30pm); Stellenbosch v Chippa, Danie Craven (6pm); AmaZulu v Arrows, Princess Magogo (6pm); Polokwane v Galaxy, Old Peter Mokaba; Kruger v Bay, Mbombela (8.15pm); Sundowns v Durban City, Royal Bafokeng (8.15pm).