Goalkeeper Sage Stephens cites last season's success as the reason behind Stellenbosch FC's slump in this current campaign in the domestic front

Sage Stephens says last season’s good run for Stellenbosch killed their current campaign.

Stellies’ season has not been the one of thrills as the Cape Winelands found themselves on the wrong side of the Betway Premiership and also lost their long serving coach in Steve Barker.

This is in stark contrast to their previous season where they reached the Caf Confederation Cup semi-finals and a top eight finish.

“We just were not good enough, and I think because of that success last season, maybe we thought it would just roll over or happen again," said Stephens on SABC Sport.

"I don't think we applied ourselves as much as we should have, especially on these long trips – there's a lot that we can and should improve, and just not get complacent.

"I mean, it's a big competition, we're playing against big teams, so I think sometimes we forget that we're privileged to be doing this."

"I think if you look at last season, how we did in the competition, I think we chose the right games to know the opponents that we had a big chance of beating.

"And I think we did that well, I think that's let us down a bit this season – the last-minute penalty away in Tanzania, that's a small margin that actually had a huge effect in us not qualifying for the knockout stage."

Today they face Singida Black Stars at home in a dead rubber clash as both team’s results today will have no impact on Caf Confederation Cup standing.

They are out of contention for a top eight place.

The game at DHL Stadium starts at 3pm.