JOHANNESBURG - Free State Stars and Maritzburg United reached the final of the Nedbank Cup at the expense of cup kings Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend.
Ea Lla Koto and the Team of Choice flipped the script to set up what should be an exciting match between two teams who have punched above their wait this season, moving from fighting relegation to sitting in the top five.
Thela Ngobeni starred for Ea Lla Koto in the 2-0 win over his former team Amakhosi. The 28-year-old goalkeeper spoke about his dream of winning a winner’s medal that will mean something to him, having “won” every trophy on offer in the country without participating in those victories.
Ngobeni moved a step closer to achieving that on Saturday. He is part of a defence that features teammates, Nyiko Mobbie and Patrick Phungwayo, who are the fullbacks with Maritzburg’s Bevan Fransman and Polokwane’s Thapelo Tshilo in central defence.
Fortune Makaringe earned a place in midfield for his dazzling performance against the Brazilians. Makaringe is partnered with Harris Tchilimbou whose brace took Stars to their first final in almost 20 years.
Team of the Week:
Goalkeeper: Thela Ngobeni (Free State Stars) Rightback: Nyiko Mobbie (Free State) Leftback: Patrick Phungwayo (Free State) Centreback: Bevan Fransman (Maritzburg); Thapelo Tshilo (Polokwane) Central Midfielder: Harris Tchilimbou (Free State); Fortune Makaringe (Maritzburg) Rightwinger: Bandile Shandu (Maritzburg) Leftwinger: Goodman Dlamini (Free State) Striker: Rodney Ramagalela (Polokwane); Lebohang Maboe (Maritzburg).
