TKO win is a balm for Nyirenda

WEDSON NYIRENDA’S soul was healed when Baroka FC were crowned Telkom Knockout champions at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

The Zambian master tactician recently lost his mother who succumbed after a long period of illness. It was very painful for Nyirenda to accept his mother’s death.

Against all odds Baroka defeated one of the South Africa soccer giants Orlando Pirates 3-2 on penalties to claim their maiden trophy in topflight football on Saturday.

The game ended 2-2 after extra time with Bakgaga winning via a penalty shootout. They walked away with R4.25million for their efforts.

Speaking with the media after the game, Nyirenda was emotional. Nyirenda is in his first season in charge at the club.

“First and foremost it was very unfortunate (losing my mom). I would have taken this Cup to her if she was still alive,” Nyirenda said.

“She had a stroke for five to six months. She had to go to rest. That grief was too much on me. I was the closest child to her. I was leaving with her and losing her was a burden for me.

“When she was sick I had to send money for medicals there (back home in Zambia). This victory gives me some uplift.”

Baroka really fought hard to win their maiden trophy.

They knocked out Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns en route to winning the competition.

It took them four games to finally concede a goal in the Telkom Knockout, as they had kept Golden Arrows, Wits and Sundowns at bay before finally conceding against Pirates on Saturday.

“We knew their strengths. When Pule (Vincent) comes from the right wing, he doesn’t cross. We knew that he is going to cut in and take a shot. We addressed that and we closed him down. We succeeded in that. Thembinkosi (Lorch) was menacing in our midfield with the way he was playing. He was all over.

“You could not tell where he was playing. He was disorganising our midfield. He is a great player. He has the heart. We man-marked (Justin) Shonga well.

“He is the man who creates space for Pirates. When he make runs towards the outside wing, we knew that someone was going to come in (and had to close that space),” Nyirenda said.

Nyirenda is synonymous with winning Cups in South African football. He amassed multiple titles during his stints with Kaizer Chiefs as a player.

“We closed those channels. The only negative part was the lack of concentration from our side. We thought it was already done.

“We took the lead and they equalised. We took the lead again and it was almost over and we lacked concentration again and they scored. We had to go to the lottery (of penalties),” Nyirenda said.

Baroka will now have to switch focus from their Cup success to the PSL as they visit Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium tomorrow.

“We needed that (Telkom Knockout trophy) more than Pirates. They are already on could nine. We had to go for that,” Nyirenda said.