Highlands captain happy to reach first Cup final

Lucky Mokoena wore the captain’s armband as the Lions of the North made history by making their first cup final since 1983 as they beat Polokwane City to advance to the last round of the MTN8 where they await one between Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.

Mokoena said this was a big achievement for the Tembisa side. “As a new team, this is a big achievement for us,” he said in a post-match TV interview.

“Even for me as a player it is the first time that I will be in a cup final. I am very happy for myself, for the team, the technical team and directors of the club,” he added.

READ: Highlands Park through to MTN8 final

Mokoena said they had to dig deep to overcome a stubborn City side – a team who always give them problems based on recent encounters between the two.

“They are a difficult team. They keep the highline and as soon as you try to play the ball behind, their keeper is clever enough to come out and pick it up. They beat us twice last season and they gave us a good encounter today,” said Mokoena.

His coach, Owen Da Gama was also happy for his players as he feels this will go a long way in growing them. “I am especially happy for the players (for making the final),” said Da Gama after Tuesday night’s match.

“They have worked so hard. They are so brave and put in everything. We are not even two seasons in the top flight and we have done this. But it was long coming and you could see it even in the
Championship where we broke records. The players must take all the credit,” added Da Gama.

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