Celtic find the second wind in time for TKO final
It would have been a hard decision even for a seasoned punter to place a wager in favour of Bloemfontein Celtic reaching the Telkom Knockout final – or any final for that matter this season – especially after their poor campaign last term.
Patrick Tignyemb of Bloemfontein Celtic (Photo by Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images)
The Free State team had a difficult time last season and survived relegation by the skin of their teeth. With a new coach whose record was unconvincing, many foresaw another dry spell for Phunya Sele Sele.
But Celtic have come right and made their fans a proud, happy and singing bunch again as the team are close to being crowned Ziwa Mo champions.
All that stands between them and hoisting the trophy is 90 minutes, or 120 and even penalties, against a stubborn Bidvest Wits team at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban at 6pm tomorrow.
READ: Wits defence ready for Celtic onslaught
Their whirlwind campaign in the TKO, however, has not gone to their heads, according to goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb and they will work their socks off to ensure it ends well.
“The coach and technical team are not putting pressure on us,” said Tignyemb. “Instead they are constantly reminding us to continue playing with tactical discipline and converting our chances.”
On paper, Wits are a better bet tomorrow and Tignyemb has no illusions about that. “It is a fact that Wits have good players. But we will match them on the day. We have huge self-belief in the team,” added the Cameroonian.
Celtic are playing with some confidence and a few players have come out of their shells and shown just how dangerous they can be. Tshegofatso Mabaso is one of the players who has been able to find the back of the net for Phunya Sele Sele, with the 21-year-old having scored twice already.
Mabaso was Celtic’s top scorer in the developmental MultiChoice Diski Challenge tournament last season.
