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We know how to bounce back: Stephens

The Star

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September 12, 2025

STELLENBOSCH FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens says his team’s resilience makes them a dangerous opponent in Saturday's MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium (6pm kickoff).

- OBAKENG MELETSE

The clash promises to set the tone for the season, with both teams chasing early silverware to inject momentum into their league campaigns.

While Stellies remain a club on the rise, the memory of last year’s 3-1 defeat to Pirates in the same final still lingers. Adding to the challenge, the Cape Winelands side enter the fixture on the back of a shaky start to their league season.

Stephens, however, believes that contesting back-to-back finals reflects the significant strides the club has made in recent years, with last year’s loss not putting them in a make-or-break situation heading into this weekend.

“I have been here long enough to see how far the club has come, and it’s special to have been a part of it when it all began,’ Stephens said.

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