Super Sport United beats Pirates to win Nedbank Cup

Super Sport United Football Club on Saturday beat Orlando Pirates 3-2 in the final of the Nedbank Cup to win the tournament for the second time since its inception in 2008.
The Tshwane based outfit last won the contest in 2012 while being coached by Gavin Hunt.
Current coach Stuart Baxter last won the competition with Kaizer Chiefs in 2013. Baxter credited the players for the victory and said, “we played an excellent tactical first half, and we knew they were going to throw. The lads showed character after going 1-0 in the first half and they have also shown that winning is the biggest quality.”
Pirates Coach, Eric Tinkler said he was disappointed to have lost the final match of the tournament. “A massive disappointment. Extremely disappointed. We got that goal and we should have protected that lead, particularly in the first five minutes after scoring. It was just unfortunate that we couldn’t put one in the back of the net,” the former Bafana Bafana midfielder stated.
Super Sport’s goals were scored by Jeremy Brockie, Michael Boxall and Bradley Grobler while Luvuyo Memela and Clayton Daniels scored for Pirates in each half of the match.

The match drew scores of soccer enthusiasts locally and from afar to Peter Mokaba Stadium. Acting Communications and Marketing Manager of Polokwane Municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo said they were happy with the spectator turnout. “We are happy that people came to the match and we are happy that the stadium was almost packed to its capacity. We ask our patrons and soccer fans to keep on supporting such events because they are a big advert for the city,” Mothapo said.
He also mentioned they are glad to have hosted a mega event in the city without any problems. “We have shown that we have the capacity to such events and that augurs well for us because next time when we bid for such an event the responsible authorities will not hesitate but give us the nod,” Mothapo said.
The match was attended by, among others, Fikile Mbalula, Minister of Sport and Recreation, Premier Stan Mathabatha and Thembi Nkadimeng, Executive Mayor of Polokwane.

Featured Photo: Herbert Rachuene – Super Sport United striker, Dove Wome celebrates their victory with teammates Jeremy Brockie.

Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert@mailbox.co.za