Telkom TKO drama unfolds
SuperSport United will play Platinum Stars in the TKO finals.
Defending champions Platinum Stars will face SuperSport United in the 2014 Telkom Knockout final after the two northern clubs were victorious in their semi-final showdowns over the weekend.
Dikwena edged out the more fancied Mamelodi Sundowns to book their ticket to a fourth final, while Matsatsantsa were assured winners over last season’s finalists, Orlando Pirates, as they reached the showpiece game of South Africa’s League Cup for a third time in their history.
The clash between SuperSport and Pirates kicked off the round on a rain-drenched Orlando Stadium on Saturday night November 8, when the visitors emerged with a 1-0 triumph.
Gordon Igesund’s men, who have never won the competition but ended second in 2004 and 2005, barely looked troubled against the Soweto hosts – playing in their first match since the tragic death of Senzo Meyiwa.
First-half goals from Lebogang Manyama (21) and Dove Wome (36) were enough for the Pretoria side, while Pirates’ limited chances were wasted by Sifiso Myeni and Khethowakhe Masuku early in the second half.
The result also prevented Vladamir Vermezovic’s side from reaching a sixth straight final.
On Sunday, the 2006 and 2013 winners Stars stunned Sundowns at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, where Eleazar Rodgers (50) grabbed the only goal against his former club.
Khama Billiat and Cuthbert Malajila spurned good chances to score during the opening 45 minutes, and the visitors were punished early in the second half, when Rodgers outpaced Mario Booysen to reach a through-ball before looking up and firing past Denis Onyango.
Mame Niang had a good chance to level later in the half, which he missed, before Tebogo Langerman was sent off late in the game after a second yellow card.
Coach Allan Freese’s Stars side, who also contested the 2003 final, then under the name of Silver Stars, extended their stranglehold on the Brazilians to 5-2 in cup competitions in the process.
The final will be played at a yet to be announced venue at the end of November.
