Budding soccer stars to use tourney to be noticed
The Telkom Knockout Cup has a history of being the launching pad for rising stars.
A number of South Africa’s top talents have displayed their rich potential in the Knockout stage and went on to have glittering careers thanks to cup exposure. In 2010 Kaizer Chiefs’ Mandla Masango and Knowledge Musona broke Ajax Cape Town supporters’ hearts when both registered their names on the scoring board.
Mandla netted the first goal for Chiefs on that occasion, announcing himself to the Amakhosi fans and setting himself on a fine career path that now includes a successful spell in Denmark with topside Randers FC.
Chiefs’ second goal in that game was scored by Knowledge, who went on to become a regular scorer in the PSL. He actually went on to bag two more goals as Chiefs defeated Orlando Pirates in the next season’s Telkom Knockout final.
Already in the 2015 tournament, after just one round of action, a number of players raised their hands to announce themselves. South African U/20 star Maphosa Modiba played his part in helping Mpumalanga Black Aces past Bloemfontein Celtic after extra time and penalties in the Free State.
Thuso Phala is one such youngster, having shot to prominence as a fresh-faced 20-year-old for Platinum Stars in the 2006 Telkom Knockout competition.
His performances on the right wing helped Dikwena go all the way to the final, with a winning goal in a famous semi-final victory over Santos.
Stars would go on to defeat Ajax Cape Town in the decider.
Telkom’s senior sponsorship specialist, Braam Wessels shared his delight with how Telkom’s investment in football was reaping rewards for the participating players.
“We are delighted at how for the past years, Telkom has been the launching pad for some of the country’s most recognised footballers. We are looking forward to witnessing other youngsters using the Telkom Knockout to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves,” said Wessels.
