Sage Stephens eyes defensive balance as Stellenbosch FC seek to shoot down Golden Arrows

Stellenbosch FC captain Sage Stephens believes his side must tighten up defensively as they aim to carry their attacking momentum into Wednesday's clash against Golden Arrows.

Stellenbosch FC are high in morale after finally getting their Betway Premiership campaign up and running in their last match, which is why they want to continue riding that momentum when they face the rock-solid Golden Arrows on Wednesday night.

Stellies beat Marumo Gallants 3–1 at Athlone Stadium to claim their first league win of the season after losing to AmaZulu and drawing with Polokwane City.

The victory was inspired by debutant Quwan Plaatjies , who scored his first-ever hat-trick in professional football on debut. In the bigger scheme of things, it also meant Stellies had scored six goals in back-to-back matches, having previously drawn 3–3 with Polokwane.

Having a lethal attack pleases club captain and No 1 goalkeeper Sage Stephens, although he strongly feels they can do better defensively after conceding in all three games since the start of the season, with five goals conceded overall.

“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.”

Given that the team has shown an upward trajectory – losing, drawing and then winning – Stephens described the mood in the camp.

“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.”

Arrows will present a true test for Stellies. They have made an impressive start to the season under coach Pitso Dladla and have been rock-solid in defence, having failed to concede in five games since the start of the campaign. They are also in the MTN8 semi-final.

Moreover, Abafana Bes’thende will want to win the match, which will be hosted at King Zwelithini Stadium, at all costs. Victory would serve as a huge morale booster and a dress rehearsal ahead of their crunch MTN8 semi-final second-leg clash at home to Sundowns on Sunday. They won the first leg 1–0 in Atteridgeville last Sunday.

Stephens is aware of the threat Arrows will pose and their stubbornness in defence. However, he feels the lengthy break they have had to prepare for the game will come in handy.

“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.