Supersport United claimed a small psychological victory ahead of next weekend’s Telkom Knockout final against holders Platinum Stars when they won the right to be the home side yesterday.
But Clayton Daniels wasn’t reading much into the fact his team will have first choice on the colours they wear and the dressing-room.
Instead, the SuperSport captain was quick to point out that anything less than victory in the match to be played at Orlando Stadium next Saturday (November 30) will render all their hard work useless.
“Yes, it’s good that we’ve reached the final, but if we don’t win it what will it mean? Nothing. So we are looking forward to going all the way.”
Daniels believes that unseating Stars as champions will complete the club’s incredible turn-around since Gordon Igesund took over as coach.
“Winning this will prove the quality we have in this team. Everything has changed (since Igesund replaced Cavin Johnson as coach), the character of the team as well as the players’ energy is all better now because we have an experienced coach who knows how to manage players.”
Their opponents are well aware of that change, with Stars captain Vuyo Mere saying yesterday that they are anticipating a tough match from a “very good side with a very good coach”.
“They are a star-studded team and we know it will be a tough game. But God has decided who will lift the trophy long ago and we will go into the match with our faith in Him. It is a good feeling to have the opportunity to go out there and defend our title.”
The defender believes success in the cup competition will have a positive impact on their poor league run. “It’s been a good cup run and hopefully it rubs off on our league performances.”
SuperSport will probably have been the happier of the two sides at the venue decision; their semi-final victory having come at the home of Orlando Pirates.
But Matsatsantsa will also be mindful of the fact that both of their last two cup final appearances were at the same venue – and both ended in defeat.
Back in 2012 they lost to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup and last season they came a cropper against Moroka Swallows in the MTN 8.
Daniels though will be hoping it will be a case of third time lucky.
The match is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off and tickets – selling at R80 for the main stand, R40 for the rest of the stadium and R10 for children under 12 years of age – go on sale today. - The Star