Why SuperSport signed Thamsanqa Gabuza
Coach Kaitano Tembo says Thamsanqa Gabuza's constant willingness to get into scoring positions is what prompted SuperSport United to take a gamble on signing the 32-year-old.
Thamsanqa Gabuza and SuperSport coach Kaitano Tembo celebrates a goal (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Gabuza began to repay some of that faith on Sunday as his double helped Matsatsantsa to a 3-0 win over Bidvest Wits to set up an MTN8 semifinal against Tshwane rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
The tall striker came to SuperSport on the back of a difficult time at Orlando Pirates, where he scored just once last season in all competitions, and that was against Light Stars from the Seychelles in the Caf Champions League. In August 2018, Gabuza was also sent off against Black Leopards after losing his cool with the Pirates fans, hurling his shirt into the crowd and storming off the pitch.
READ: SuperSport set to face Sundowns in MTN 8 semi-final after beating Wits
Pirates fans were frustrated with Gabuza’s profligacy in front of goal, but Tembo said: “I know he used to miss chances, but he was one player that whenever we played Pirates, you would always get worried, because of his work ethic. He worked very hard and was not scared to get into those areas, irrespective of missing, he keeps trying.
“When you look back, if you remember, I think Gabuza scored six to ten goals for Golden Arrows in one season (he scored 10 in all competitions in the 2011/12 campaign). I had that in mind when we decided to sign him. The goals will always come, but only if he works hard. The first goal he scored (against Wits) was the same goal he scored against Stellenbosch in pre-season.”
SuperSport have recovered well after losing their opening league match to Sundowns, beating Orlando Pirates in the Premiership and then beating Wits, in the process scoring six goals without reply.
“Against Sundowns in the first 15 minutes (of the league game) we could have been two or three up, we had chances to score and didn’t take them. Hopefully this time around (in the semifinals) we will take those opportunities. That is why after the first game I was not worried, I was happy with the opportunities we created.”
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