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Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens says their first ever CAF Confederation Cup experience this season has given the team a fresh perspective on African football.
The 33-year-old played in all but one match for Stellies in the competition so far against some of the continent’s most robust rivals, but helped the squad secure a quarter-final spot.
Steve Barker’s men host Zamalek at the Cape Town Stadium this afternoon and hope to gain an advantage going into the second leg next week.
Stephens believes Stellies have already gained vast knowledge during the past several months.
''I think physically it takes its toll because of the long travels, between the airports and the long wait. On your body it takes its toll, but one thing we're able to do is we are able to adapt to it. Also mentally it is not easy being in a different country and being so far from home, playing oppositions you have never seen before. Being able to adapt in different situations, like when we played in Congo with a hostile crowd- those experiences, it just helps the squad,'' said Stephens.
The goalkeeper admits Stellies were also challenged to adjust their game model when facing RS Berkane, Stade Malien and Lunda Sul.
''African football is very strong, being the PSL. We haven't played CAF before, but just playing PSL you get used to the level. The most difficult part is that we knew nothing about our opponents,'' added Stephens.
Stephens gives a lot of credit to Stellenbosch as a group on how they have navigated to find balance in all competitions.
''For the club it is very special, because it was one of our targets, things we have set out for ourselves. For South African football - it is positive if you look at the teams that are competing at this level it’s Sundowns, Pirates and Stellenbosch. It is our first time playing in CAF and we have reached the quarter-finals, credit must be shown to the team for how we have handled this situation and being able to compete as we're doing,'' he expressed.
The skipper adds that facing Zamalek over two legs is arguably one of the stand out moments in his career.
