Stellenbosch FC captain Sage Stephens calls for defensive improvement before Golden Arrows test

Stellenbosch FC captain and goalkeeper Sage Stephens says his side must find a better defensive balance if they are to maintain their attacking momentum against Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday.

Stellenbosch FC go into the match at King Zwelithini Stadium with renewed confidence after recording their first league victory of the season. They beat Marumo Gallants 3-1 at Athlone Stadium in their previous outing, following an opening-day defeat by AmaZulu and a draw with Polokwane City.

The win was secured in spectacular fashion by debutant Quwan Plaatjies, who scored his first hat-trick in professional football on his first appearance for the club.

That result also continued Stellenbosch’s recent run of prolific scoring. They have found the net six times in their past two matches, having drawn 3-3 with Polokwane City before overcoming Gallants.

Stephens is pleased with the form of the club’s attacking players but believes the team must become more disciplined at the other end. Stellenbosch have conceded in each of their three matches since the beginning of the season, allowing five goals in total.

“We scored six goals in two games, and that shows the work that has been going on behind the scenes. It’s confidence. The boys up front are doing very well – we just need to balance that at the back,” Stephens told the club’s media unit.

“It’s a work in progress. To score three goals back-to-back shows the level of confidence in front of goal.”

The progression from defeat to draw and then victory has helped lift the atmosphere around the Stellenbosch camp, although Stephens said the team’s points return has not yet matched its efforts.

“We are coming off a good game and result against Gallants. I think that can bring positives,” Stephens said.

“There’s a lot of confidence in the camp. Throughout the whole season, we’ve been working hard, and that shows in our performances, though we haven’t picked up as many points as we would have liked.”

Golden Arrows will provide a significant challenge. Under coach Pitso Dladla, they have made an impressive start to the campaign and have been particularly strong defensively, keeping clean sheets in all five of their matches since the season began.

They are also competing in the MTN8 semi-final, with Wednesday’s fixture coming at an important point in their preparations. Abafana Bes’thende will be determined to win at King Zwelithini Stadium, both to strengthen their league position and to build momentum before their decisive MTN8 semi-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday.

Golden Arrows won the first leg 1-0 in Atteridgeville last Sunday, giving them an advantage ahead of the return match at home.

Stephens recognises the defensive resilience Golden Arrows have shown, but believes Stellenbosch’s preparation time could help them compete with a side that has been difficult to break down.

“The preparations have been going very well. We have had time to prepare because it was not the case where we played every three days. The coaches put us through our paces; the intensity was high in training. Preparing for the game was superb. I think the guys are ready for the game on Wednesday,” Stephens said.