SuperSport United, better known as Matsatsantsa, are looking to sweep Orlando Pirates aside and make history by qualifying for their first ever Telkom Knockout Challenge final this coming weekend.
The last time these two combatants met in the competition was in the quarterfinals of the 2010/11 season. Matsatsantsa is not looking to repeat their last encounter when they were well beaten by the Sea Robbers 3-0.
United, who are yet to win the Telkom Knockout Challenge Cup, are looking to make history by adding this sought after silverware to their trophy cabinet. Orlando Pirates, currently ranked the number two best side on the African continent and in impressive form of late, are also on a mission to add more silverware to their already impressive collection.
In-form United midfielders David Mathebula, Sameehg Doutie and Bennet Chenene plan to park the Buccaneer bus at Lucas Moripe Stadium come 23 November. Big things are expected of striker Bradley Grobler, who has rediscovered his goal scoring form which will hopefully put the ‘Trendy Boys’ in the Telkom Knockout final for the first time.
United head coach, Cavin Johnson knows that his charges cannot afford to relent against a strong Bucs side which has surprised the nation with their confident run in the African competition. “What we saw against Pirates in our last cup game was something we need to learn from and we will get the chance again when we meet on Saturday. But playing at home is a completely different type of game and we should have the ascendancy,” said Johnson.
“As the new sponsor of Matsatsantsa, we are very proud of how far they have progressed in the competition, especially after they lost 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns last year in the semi-final. We really hope they take the Telkom Cup to Atteridgeville for the first time,” said Brad Bergh of Engen Petroleum Limited.
