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Stephens: It’s a very special moment for me

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Sage Stephens of South Africa during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier at the Dobsonville Stadium, Johannesburg on the 09 November 2024 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens admits he had to “choke back a few tears” after receiving a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad.

The 33-year-old called out to the national team squad for the first time alongside teammates Fawaaz Basadien and Devin Titus.

Stephens will be eager to make his debut when Bafana take on Uganda on Friday before taking on South Sudan on Tuesday in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Stephens says he was very emotional after earning his first call-up to the national team for their final AFCON qualifiers.

“The first person I spoke to was my wife. The reaction? Actually, I couldn’t believe it,” Stephens said.

“Funny enough, as I said before in my interviews, I said the same thing, like, I can only control my performances. Ultimately, the decision lies with the coach and as we all respect, the coach has done a magnificent job.

“When I saw my name there for the first time officially, I was very emotional.

“I don’t want to say it aloud, but I had to choke back a few tears, you know, because it’s a very special moment for me, it’s a big achievement for me personally, and I’m just so grateful for it.”