Stellenbosch FC bank on reserve keeper Oscarine Masuluke for Confed Cup tilt
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
42 minutes ago
- The South African
2025's most inspiring women: Voices driving gender equality
In 2025, women across the globe are not just leading, they are reshaping culture and advancing gender equality with remarkable vigour. South Africans can take pride in their trailblazers who stand alongside global figures as forces of change. One shining example is Kabira Dewan from Robertsham, honoured among South Africa's Top 30 Influential Women. Dewan's dedication to empowerment and community development has earned her widespread acclaim. At the Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City, Councillor Faeeza Chame hailed her as a beacon of leadership and positive influence. Dewan remarked, 'True influence is about lifting others as you rise. Our strength is in our communities'. South Africa's business landscape features formidable women whose wealth and influence echo far beyond borders. Wendy Appelbaum, owner of the famed De Morgenzon wine estate, channels her resources into philanthropy and women's empowerment. Though her fortune was once estimated at $183 million (around R3 billion), Appelbaum prefers spotlighting her impact over her wealth. In fashion and education, Precious Moloi-Motsepe impresses with her dual legacy. Founder of African Fashion International and Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, she empowers African creatives and students alike. Her estimated $300 million net worth (approximately R5 billion) underpins her philanthropic reach. Among global recognitions, TIME's 2025 Women of the Year list includes figures who inspire South Africa. The list features actor-producer Nicole Kidman and WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson, women who fight for social justice and equality. Athletics also highlight powerful female role models. South African sportspersons see stars like Simone Biles and Fu Yuanhui challenge norms. They promote gender equality through their feats and advocacy. As one athlete put it, 'Sport is a platform to demand respect and rights, on and off the field'. Furthermore, Africa's creative and economic future shines through 17 remarkable women honoured at the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards in Pretoria. Among them, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General and the first African woman to hold that post, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. She stated, 'Our progress depends on the leaders who dare to envision equality and act decisively'. These women personify more than success; they fuel progress. Their work resonates strongly with those who face ongoing challenges in gender equality, according to Forbes Africa. As Dewan emphasises, 'Change happens when women unite, lead boldly, and demand a future where every girl can dream without limits'. From business and activism to sport and culture, the women of 2025 redefine what it means to be influential. Their vision drives society forward, making the dream of equality increasingly tangible and within reach. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Maseko and Mkhize inspire Durban City's perfect Premiership start
Mfanafuthi Mkhize of Durban City celebrates his goal against TS Galaxy during their opening Betway Premiership clash at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Durban City marked their first match under their current identity in the South Africa's top flight with a statement performance, brushing aside TS Galaxy 2-0 at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday. It was the perfect start to the Gavin Hunt-era, with goals from Samukelo Maseko and Mfanafuthi Mkhize sealing all three points for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit, formerly known as Maritzburg United. The match began with City showing no signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion, despite facing a Galaxy side guided by Adnan Beganovic. Hunt's charges pressed high and nearly broke the deadlock as early as the 15th minute when Haashim Domingo, lively throughout, almost scrambled home after Trevor Mokwena's low cross caused panic in the hosts' box. That warning seemed to spur Galaxy into life. They began dictating the tempo, pinning City back and finding joy in wide areas. Seluleko Mahlambi's pace was a constant threat, but a poor touch in the 24th minute squandered a promising opportunity. Victor Letsoalo also went close in the 39th minute after confusion at the back, but Darren Keet's experience and command of his box ensured City went into the break unscathed. After a goalless first half, City exploded out of the blocks in the second stanza. Barely a minute after the restart, winger Maseko silenced the home crowd, finishing clinically to hand the visitors their first goal of the campaign. Galaxy's response was immediate in terms of intent, but their execution in the final third continued to frustrate. And they were punished again just past the hour mark. From a well-worked set-piece, Mkhize muscled past his marker and powered a header beyond the helpless Tape Ira from Domingo's pinpoint delivery. With a two-goal cushion, City adjusted their approach, sitting deeper and inviting Galaxy forward while looking to strike on the counter. The hosts enjoyed more possession but lacked the guile to penetrate a disciplined City backline marshalled superbly by Brooklyn Poggenpoel. For City, the result was more than just three points. It was a sign that the club's investment in experience – bringing in the likes of Keet, Domingo, and Poggenpoel – could pay off handsomely.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Cardoso urges Mamelodi Sundowns to refocus after opening-day Betway Premiership setback
Grant Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns climbs over Keabetswe Ramotsei of Chippa United, while Marcelo Allende watches on during their Betway Premiership clash on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says they need to get their Betway Premiership title defence back on track after a disappointing result in their opening game. Sundowns drew 1-1 with Chippa United in the opening match of their league campaign at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday. Despite dropping two points, it was a huge result for Chippa, who will want to build on the momentum throughout the course of the domestic campaign. The same cannot be said for Sundowns. The result stung, as they were clear favourites for the game given their depth, experience, and title aspirations for the season. Cardoso is not crying over spilled milk, though. He has urged his troops to turn their focus to their next league game at Loftus Versfeld against AmaZulu on Wednesday night (7.30pm). Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'I think we have to take it match by match,' Cardoso said. 'Obviously, it's not ideal to start the championship with a draw. 'But two points dropped in the first match or the last one are still two points. We need to finish with more points than our opponents. So, let's see the number of points that our opponents are going to get in this round. We have to fight in the next game. 'This game is already over, so we need to look ahead, fix our mistakes, and build the team. There are still many days left in the transfer market as well. Let's sort out our issues and see how strong we are, because we need to work and develop our squad.' Zuko Mdunyelwa reflects on the #BetwayPrem opener and looks ahead to the next game. 💪 #Sundowns #AreyengMasandawana — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 10, 2025 One of the issues Sundowns must address is their transfer situation, as Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro, and Khuliso Mudau were notable absentees in the MTN8 opener. The trio have reportedly been pushing for moves away from the club this transfer window after attracting various offers from abroad. Shalulile, however, returned to the match-day squad against the Chilli Boys, although he was an unused substitute. Cardoso, speaking during his pre-match TV duties, said Shalulile was available and ready to contribute whenever called upon, while Mudau is also close to returning to the team. 'I think people are talking too much about Mamelodi Sundowns players,' he told SuperSport. 'Peter is with us, heart and soul. That's what everybody, especially Mamelodi Sundowns, needs to understand. So why not bring in a player who is heart and soul with us? 'Peter is always ready to play, always ready to perform, and his fitness is unbelievable. We believe in him, just as we believe in the others in the squad.' Regarding Mudau's absence, Cardoso said: 'I believe Mudau will be with us pretty soon — let's hope so.' In the absence of the trio, who played an influential role in the team's success last season, Cardoso has been using youngsters as impact players.
