Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper and captain Sage Stephens in action during an August 2022 league game against Orlando Pirates FILE - Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper and captain Sage Stephens in action during an August 2022 league game against Orlando Pirates. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Stellenbosch FC captain Sage Stephens says they have to put their controversial MTN8 final loss to Orlando Pirates behind them as they focus on upcoming games.
With the match seemingly headed to extra time with the game deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, Pirates were awarded a free kick. However, it was taken way in front of where the foul was committed, which caught the Stellenbosch defenders by surprise.
Tshegofatso Mabasa was then fed the ball inside the penalty area, before slotting home what proved to the match winner.
And minutes later, teen sensation Relebohile Mofokeng killed off the tie when he produced some brilliant piece of skill to make it 3-1.
The controversial goal led to more calls for VAR technology, while referee Tom was widely criticised.
Stephens, though, said that while the hurt from the was “still very fresh”, they had to move on and focus on their upcoming games.
“It’s come and it’s gone. Our full focus now is on the Carling Knockout, the rest of the season and maybe the Nedbank after that but you know we have to let this go,” Stephens said, according to iDiskiTimes.
“We have to leave it behind because we can’t let that hinder our performances in the season.
“So the longer we hold on to this pain, the worse it’s going to become. So for me, personally, I have let it go. It’s in the past and now I’m just looking forward to my next game,” said the goalkeeper.
IOL Sport