Stellies ready to challenge Pirates’ dominance

Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens insists that past results against Orlando Pirates will not influence their upcoming MTN&8 final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday (6pm kickoff).

- OBAKENG MELETSE

Instead, he says, the Cape Winelands side sees the final as a chance to recover from a slow start to the league season.

With history ready to be made by either club, coach Steve Barker and his squad are focused on taking advantage of this opportunity.

Stellies will be participating in the club’s third-ever final.

Having won the Carling Knockout in 2024 - their only topflight trophy to date - they will now get another chance to lift a trophy that eluded them last season, when they lost 3-1 to the Buccaneers at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Stephens, part of the side that suffered the heartbreaking defeat, remains upbeat ahead of the rematch.

“Looking forward to the occasion, it’s special playing in another cup final,” Stephens said ahead of the game.