Phala aiming for Caf Confed Cup final

United, who will play Cape Town City in the final of the MTN8 on October 14,  played to a goalless draw against Zambian giants Zesco United in the first leg quarterfinal of the continental competition last Friday.

“This was the plan from the start. We are looking to reach those finals in the next two months. No other team will be able to say they have done what we did,” Phala told The Sowetan this week.

“It’s one down and two more to go basically. Reaching the top eight final sets you up nicely for the rest of the season. And we saw what Wits did after winning the MTN8 and then the league last season.”

Despite the first leg ending with either side not scoring, Phala says teammate and in form striker Jeremy Brockie’s presence on the field gives the team hope that goals will come.

“For us it makes life a bit easier because there is always a chance that the goal will come. When he (Brockie) scores it puts pressure on all of us, it pushes us to contribute more in search of more goals.

“He has put that [transfer] behind him now and has continued to do the job for us because he is a professional.

“It’s up to us to provide those assists to him and we know he is going to put them away.”