Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens has opened up on what it means to get his Bafana Bafana call-up at 33-years-old ahead of the last round of 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.
The Stelllies shot stopper is among the 23-man squad that will face Uganda and South Sudan in the last round of 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.
READ |Bafana striker: It's tough as well to be on the bench at Pirates
The final squad was announced last Thursday, and for one Stephens, whose name appears for the very first time on the final squad list, the week has been an emotional one.
"Most certainly, it's been an emotional week for me, spending it with loved ones and family," Stephens told journalists on Monday during a Bafana press conference at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, where he made his debut in Moroka Swallows colours back in 2014.
"It's funny enough that the path has led me to this stadium where it all started for me," he said.
"If I had to script it myself, I don't think I would have scripted it any better to make my first call up at the stadium where I played my first (professional) game. I'm very blessed and very honoured to have this privilege.
"The first person I spoke to (after seeing my name in the selected squad) was my wife. Reaction, I couldn't believe it.
"Funny enough, I even said this before, I can only control my performances, ultimately the decision lies with the coach. As we all expect, the coach has done a magnificent job and when I saw my name there, I was very emotional.
"To have your first call up at 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," Stephens said.
"Ultimately, everyone has got their own journey to follow and own path to lead."The only thing I can say is never give up, if it happened for me at the age of 33, anything is possible for any youngster at any club in the league, or [based] around the world.
"They just have to continue working hard and believing in yourself.
ALSO READ | Broos: Themba Zwane did not deserve that
Bafana need a single win from the two matches to secure AFCON qualification and should they win on Friday, Broos has described the second match against South Sudan as a 'celebration'.
The dead rubber match could present an opportunity for Sage to make his Bafana debut.
"If that were to be the case (making debut in the Western Cape), ultimately coach Hugo has got the decision on team selection.
"Personally, I have to give credit to Ronwen [Williams]. Honestly, he is the big dog here and rightfully so.
"He has done the bits on the field, so respect to him. I'm just here to play my part, do the best of my ability, and learn as much as possible and if that day were to come in Cape Town or any other day, I will have to stand up and be present."