Issa out to scar Chiefs

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 26: Issa Sarr during the Carling Black Label Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on July 26, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 26: Issa Sarr during the Carling Black Label Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on July 26, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Published Sep 20, 2014

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Issa Sarr inflicted pain on Orlando Pirates in last year’s MTN8 final, but now he wants to help heal the wounds suffered on that forgettable night for the Buccaneers.

The Senegalese midfielder was part of the Platinum Stars team that broke Pirates’ hearts at Moses Mabhida Stadium last season, the North West club lifting the trophy after holding their nerve to clinch the tie via a penalty shoot-out.

The hard-working player returns to Moses Mabhida almost a year later, eager to relive one of the greatest nights in his football career.

Sarr produced a Man of the Match performance in last year’s final and does not want the script to change when the Buccaneers take on Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the same competition today (8.15pm).

“I want the same story. I won’t lie, I want to win the trophy again and lift it with my teammates. It’s a great feeling,” Sarr said.

“Players need glory and trophies to make their careers look good. With Pirates, I want to win more and more trophies, not just this one.

“Platinum Stars were like a family to me. When I came to Pirates, I felt the same vibe,” added the 27-year-old, who has become used to winning silverware, even before he came to South Africa in the season before last to play for Chippa United.

“I have won trophies in all the teams I have played for, even back home in Senegal. Chippa United are the only team I played for where I didn’t win a trophy. I hope I will keep winning trophies.”

Born in Thies, Sarr joined Pirates to fill the role left open in midfield by hardman Andile Jali, who left the Buccaneers in January to sign a contract with Belgium club KV Oostende.

Sarr is wasting no time settling into Vladimir Vermezovic’s team, combining well with central midfield partners Thandani Ntshumayelo and Oupa Manyisa, who is the heartbeat of the Bucs midfield.

Sarr is calm in possession of the ball and is usually clean in the tackle and, against Amakhosi today, he’ll have the major task of trying to stop Amakhosi’s in-form midfielders George Maluleka and Reneilwe Letsholonyane, who can’t stop scoring at the moment.

“I do not feel any pressure. I know that I have to work hard,” he said.

“If you know me, you will know that I always give it my all whether I am playing against a small team or a big team. I know that it won’t be an easy game.

“We should just give our best. We have the supporters and they will give us confidence. It’s always nice to have people that will push you and encourage you,” said the former ASC Diaraf and AS Pikine man.

Sarr is glad to have signed for one of the giants of South African football, the player hoping his recent move from the North West to Gauteng will increase his chances of playing for his national team.

Senegal have made a good start to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, beating Egypt and Botswana to top Group G.

Sarr would love nothing more than to play at the Cup of Nations, but he knows European players are usually preferred ahead of the players based in Africa.

“The coach has been talking to my agent, but in Senegal you have too many players playing in Europe. There is more competition there. I am playing for a big club like Pirates and sometimes the national coach watches the games. Sometimes we talk and I hope I will return one day.”

A good performance tonight could convince Senegal coach Allain Giresse that Sarr deserves a spot in the national squad. - Saturday Star

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