Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens has reacted to receiving his first Bafana Bafana call-up at the age of 33, as Hugo Broos’ charges gear up for their final two 2025 AFCON Qualifiers clashes against Uganda and South Sudan.

However, he gave credit to Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams as a ” big dog” in the national team looking at what he has done in the era of coach Broos.

Bafana will travel to Kampala where they are set to take on already-qualified Uganda at Mandela National Stadium on Friday, before hosting South Sudan at Cape Town Stadium in the penultimate game on Tuesday. 

For Stephens, who has been knocking on Broos’ door with magnificent performances for the Cape Winelands outfit, the international scene with the national team is new. 

The shot-stopper has revealed what the privilege of representing his country means to him. “I couldn’t believe it, funny enough as I said in my interviews before, I mentioned that I can only control my performances and ultimately the decision lies with the coach, as we all respect, the coach has done a magnificent job, ” Stephens said. 

“When I saw my name there for the first time officially, I was very emotional, I had to fight back a few tears because it’s an extraordinary moment for me, it’s a big achievement for me and I’m just so grateful for it. 

“To have your first call-up at the age of 33, for me, it’s an incredible feat, the only thing I would like to say is it’s never over until you decide it’s over. Everyone’s got their journey to follow and their path to follow, the only thing is to never give up, anything is possible.”

While he is excited about the call-up, Stephens acknowledges that he is still inexperienced at this level and down in the pecking order, citing that Ronwen Williams is the main man as he downplays the prospect of making his debut in the final match should Bafana overcome Uganda. 

“First things first, being here is one step for me, I’ve got a lot to learn at this level, so coming into the camp the only thing I can do is try to learn as much as possible get much experience as much as possible, ” the Stellies goalminder admitted. 

“If that were the case [to make my debut], coach Hugo has got the decision on team selection and for me personally, I have to give credit to Ronwen. Honestly, he’s the big dog here and rightfully so, he’s done the bit on the field so respect to him. 

“But I’m just here to play my part, to do the best of my ability, to learn as much as possible, and if that day were to come in Cape Town or any other day, then I’d have to stand up and be present,” he added.