Stellenbosch FC have been dealt a significant setback in their pursuit of a top-three finish in the Betway Premiership after first-choice goalkeeper Sage Stephens has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a calf injury.
The bad news comes as the Winelands outfit intensify its chase for another tilt at the African club competition next season.
The 32-year-old sustained the injury during the on-field warm-up for the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final against Zamalek last month. Despite the setback, he played in the match in Cairo and kept a clean sheet in Stellenbosch’s 1-0 victory, which secured their historic progression to the semi-finals.
Since then, Stephens’ understudy Oscarine Masuluke has stepped in between the posts, featuring in the team’s last five matches, three of which have ended in league victories against AmaZulu, Chippa United, and Golden Arrows.
This season, Masuluke has kept four clean sheets in five league matches.
In December 2016, Masuluke was famously nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award for ‘Goal of the Year’ after his stunning overhead bicycle kick for Baroka FC was the match-winning goal against Orlando Pirates.
He was also in goal for both legs of the semi-final tie against Tanzania’s Simba SC, where Stellies bowed out 1-0 on aggregate.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has made no secret of his desire for the club to return to the CAF Confederation Cup, but currently trails Sekhukhune by one point, with a game in hand.
With three matches remaining, Stellenbosch hold their destiny in their hands. Maximum points would seal third spot, but a tough run-in awaits: starting with a trip to champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, followed by clashes with relegation-threatened SuperSport United and Mother City derby rivals Cape Town City.
As the season nears its conclusion, Stellenbosch is poised to push through obstacles, and fans will be hoping that the remaining matches will see them overcome the odds and secure a place amongst Africa’s elite once more.
This season has brought unexpected twists for Stellenbosch FC, but with a promising squad and fierce determination, the battle for a top-three finish continues unabated.
Meanwhile, Sundowns have one hand on the coveted Premiership trophy following a commanding 3-0 victory over Chippa United at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday evening. Sundowns have now amassed 64 points, leaving them only four points shy of claiming their record-extending 18th league title.
The Tshwane giants show no signs of slowing down as their relentless march toward glory continues. The three points secured against Chippa maintained their impressive unbeaten home record.
Three points against Chippa mean Sundowns could lift the trophy as early as this weekend, provided they defeat Stellenbosch FC.
While Orlando Pirates remain mathematically in the hunt, they trail significantly on points, and must win all their remaining games and hope Sundowns lose at least twice, an almost impossible scenario.
