Sage Stephens delighted with top honours at Stellenbosch FC awards

Stephens says the honour means more to him, having come at the end of an unusually turbulent season for the club, where they had to keep composure amid relegation talk and a change in coaches. 

The 35-year-old has missed only one of their 29 matches in the Betway Premiership for Stellies so far, keeping seven clean sheets while conceding 30 goals, and says the award came as a pleasant surprise. 

"Personally, for me this is very specially, it came unexpectedly and it's nice to see that I got nominated for a few awards, but to get the big one is quite special, especially to put it into context with the type of season we've had as a club," said Stephens.

"It's just special for me because not a lot of headlines were made, but it's nice to know that certain performances throughout the season maybe were highlighted in why I got this award.

"And it's nice to also get the recognition when maybe not all the limelight is on you."

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Stephens joins the likes of Iqraam Rayners, Robyn Johannes, Deano van Rooyen, Zitha Kwinika, Junior Mendieta, and Fawaaz Basadien on the club’s honours board, and says it’s a special feeling to know he’ll leave a legacy at the club one day.  

"Like we heard throughout the even on what this club has done over the last 10 years, it's very special, some great players have come and worn this badge and carried this flag forward," he added.

"It's nice to know that we've carried it more and to know that I played a part in one of the most difficult times of the club's history, and we managed to obviously make sure the club maintains its PSL status.

"So it's just special for me, I would have liked it under different circumstances but to put it into context of what happened throughout the season, I'm very happy to received this award."