In what may be his last game for SuperSport United on Saturday, captain Morgan Gould is eager to bow out with a bang.
Gould, who is reportedly on his way to Kaizer Chiefs, is hoping to lead Matsatsantsa a Pitori to triumph against Tshwane rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the Nedbank Cup at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto this weekend.
“Winning will be good for me because it’s one of those things that as a player and as captain you want to have. It’s good to have one in the cabinet and say this is what we have achieved this season.
“At least we will look at it and say we have got something in the cabinet,” said Gould.
“It brings no greater joy to go back to the coach and say that this is for all the faith and confidence you’ve showed in me. I am giving you back a trophy.
“We will see what happens on the day. The coach knows the players will give their best for him and SuperSport.”
For Gould, the final will be an extra special occasion.
Not only because he is leaving but also because the eagerly anticipated match will be played in his backyard.
“It’s one of a kind. You can’t have a Pretoria Derby played in Soweto. Both captains – Gould and Teko Modise – are from Soweto. It’s going to be a memorable and a special one for me playing just around the corner from where I grew up. It’s going to be do or die.
“We are going to be gunning for one another. Everybody wants to go home victorious but at the end of the day there can only be one winner.
“As SuperSport, we are going to give it our best shot,” said the former Jomo Cosmos defender.
The Bafana Bafana centreback’s move has been a matter of intense interest with his future being talk of the town and a major football bulletin. Whether Gould will be in the right frame of mind against the Brazilians remains to be seen. The tough as nails tackler is adamant he will be his usual best.
“I am calm about it. Closer to the day, it will kick in that I am playing in the final. I am going to be psyched for my final game of the season,” said the 29-year-old.
Gavin Hunt, who is resigned to losing Gould, believes that the 2010 PSL Footballer of the Season will be psychologically ready to handle Sundowns.
“More than likely he will be playing his final game. We started well with him and I hope we end well. He is fine.
“Lots of coaches drop players or leave players when there’s speculation. If I see him drop standards in the game or training, I drop him. I judge him on the pitch,” said Hunt.
Though it is a well-known secret that he will leave Matsatsanta after the final, Gould was a bit cagey about his next destination.
“My future is bright. I am not even sure about leaving. That will take place when it does. If anything comes up, you will know. I am still contracted to SuperSport,” said Gould. – Pretoria News