Stephens says Stellies have “same talent” and match Pirates perfectly

By Ayanda Nyuswa

Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens believes Stellies and Orlando Pirates have the same talent and match each other perfectly heading into the first final of the 2024/25 PSL season. The Cape Winelands side will clash with the Bucaneers in the MTN 8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday (18h00 kick off time). Stellenbosch, who are in search of the clubs second ever trophy after winning the Carling knockout last season, beat Mamelodi Sundowns in both semi final legs (2-0 on aggregate) to reach their maiden top 8 final. Jose Riveiro’s men outmuscled Cape Town City (3-1 on aggregate) to reach a third consecutive MTN 8 final, looking to become the first team to do the three-peat of the top 8 title in the PSL era.

Steve Barker’s men have an impressive record against the Pirates in recent matches, winning 3 of the previous 5 meetings between the two sides, including the double in the Betway Premiership last season. 

“I think they are a well coached team, if you look at their form they are also doing very well,” said Stephens to reporters ahead of Saturday’s final.

“They don’t concede often which is a strength of theirs. Going forward with the pace they have it’s also going to be challenging, in the same breath we also got the same talent. We match them, I think we match them perfectly because both teams are in form at the moment. We also not conceding often which is a good thing, our defence is strong. I think it is a once off, on the day who pitches up is going to take the trophy.”