The conductor is back to orchestrate SuperSport’s success
THE CONDUCTOR of the SuperSport United orchestra, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, is back to weave his magic and help the Tshwane side produce sweet music tomorrow after a somewhat off-key display in Lubumbashi.
Matsatsantsa go into the second leg of the Caf Confederation Cup tomorrow night at Lucas Moripe Stadium confident after losing 2-1 in the first leg at the Stade TP Mazembe on Sunday.
SuperSport created a number of opportunities to return with a draw or even a win, but they wasted them. The important away goal came from 19-year-old Sipho Mbule, who opened his SuperSport account with a thunderbolt that shook the Ravens and was made more remarkable by the fact that he only started because Letsholonyane was suspended.
Mbule is likely to keep his place which would see coach Eric Tinkler deploy a threeman midfield with Mbule, Letsholonyane and Dean Furman.
Letsholonyane’s role at SuperSport goes beyond what he offers the team on the field – experience and a calm head with the skill to find a man in blue anywhere on the field. The 35-year-old also mentors Mbule and Teboho Mokoena (20), who are the club’s future.
“It’s our duty as so-called experienced players to try and help these young boys,” Letsholonyane said. “We’ve been through this road. Our duty is to try and minimise their mistakes so that they can realise their potential quicker than we did. For me, it’s important that I keep talking to them and help them grow their game.”
Letsholonyane’s experience will be vital against the five-time Caf Champions League winners and holders of the Confederation Cup. The Ravens know what’s needed to get a win at this stage, while Matsatsantsa are making their first appearance in a continental Cup final. This is the fourth continental final a South African team has been involved in since 2013. It shows the change in mind-set, with players looking beyond just conquering South Africa.
“I think that it’s growth,” Letsholonyane said.
“The results are there for everyone to see that if you do your best, you end up being involved in such finals.”
Those who will make the trip to Atteridgeville could see history as Matsatsantsa have thrived when they have been boxed into a corner.
“It would be a great feeling and a great achievement for me to be an African champion,” Letsholonyane said.