Sage Stephens is the latest addition to the Bafana Bafana set-up and the goalkeeper said it took some time for the news to sink in when he got confirmation of his call-up.
Stephen is part of the South African senior men’s national team that will face Uganda away from home on Friday, 15 November 2024 and South Sudan at DHL Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday 19 November in Cape Town.
He said he had to choke back the tears when it finally hit home that he would be part of the Bafana Bafana squad that is in the final stretch of the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Morocco next year.
“The first person I spoke to was my wife. The reaction? Actually, I couldn’t believe it. Funny enough, as I said before in my interviews, I said the same thing, like, I can only control my performances. Ultimately, the decision lies with the coach and as we all respect, the coach has done a magnificent job,” he said.
“When I saw my name there for the first time officially, I was very emotional. I don’t want to say it aloud, but I had to choke back a few tears, you know, because it’s a very special moment for me, it’s a big achievement for me personally, and I’m just so grateful for it.”
Evidence Makgopa is happy to be back in the Bafana Bafana fold after missing the last few camps due to injury.
Coach Hugo Broos has never hidden his faith in Makgopa and he said the big striker was missed, and his return gives the national team more options up front.
“The only thing I can say is, you don’t want to disappoint such a person who has faith in you,” Makgopa said. “So, the only thing that you have to do for him is just to push. When he gives you a chance, you just have to work for him and do whatever you have to do.”
