Open game would suit us – Maboe
Stars ace off to AmaZulu after Ke Yona final Midfielder counts on team’s energy
His body language and the enthusiasm he spoke with showed how badly outgoing Free State Stars midfield maestro Nhlanhla Vilakazi wants to win the Nedbank Cup with Ea Lla Koto this weekend.
Catching up with Sowetan on the side of his club’s training ground in Bethlehem, Free State, on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s final showdown against Maritzburg, Vilakazi appeared to be a man who would even give his life to see Stars win the R7-million competition.
The Ke Yona final will be played at Cape Town Stadium (7pm).
The midfielder, who will join AmaZulu for the upcoming season, said: “This is the most important game in my career.
“[This is because] it’s my first cup final and my last game with Free State Stars. I will do anything ... I mean whatever possible, to win the Nedbank Cup.” Maritzburg United star midfielder Lebohang Maboe feels that his team’s hunger will compensate for their lack of experience in the Nedbank Cup final.
The Team of Choice will face off against Free State Stars in the cup final at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
They have one of the most youthful squads in the Premiership, with their 34-yearold captain Bevan Fransman the only player over 30.
Fransman and fellow central
The lad from Wattville in Benoni, East Rand, missed only five Premiership matches this season. His creativity and experience in the middle of the park inspired the Luc Eymael-mentored outfit to finish sixth.
“I have enjoyed this season. It was one of the best seasons I have ever had. We worked as a team and gave our best but I cannot say it’s a wonderful season like many believe ... the only thing that would be wonderful about this season is winning the Cup.”
While being interviewed, Vilakazi overheard another journalist remarking that the Tendai Ndoro saga had sent AmaZulu, his next home, out of the top eight. The news soured our conversation somewhat but the 32-year-old remained optimistic about his move to KZN.
“Eish bathini labantu mfwethu [what are those people saying?] But still, top eight or no top eight this move is good for my career and for my family.
“I signed with AmaZulu while they were still in the relegation zone but I knew they would be safe, so I cannot wait to join them,” Vilakazi reacted. defender Siyanda Xulu are the only two in the team roster to have featured in a final before.
Maboe is excitement about the prospect of claiming his maiden winner’s medal.
“As players we understand that we have made history by reaching the final for the first time but that alone is not enough,” Maboe said.
“We need to finish off the job and win the cup.
“I am confident we will take it back home and make our supporters proud. I don’t think inexperience will count against us.
“There is a first time for everything and it doesn’t mean we can’t do it just because we are young.”
In contrast, their opponents Stars have the influence of veterans that include Paulus Masehe, 34, and Rooi Mahamutsa, 36, who are in the twilight of their careers.
The 23-year-old Maboe feels that both teams are attackminded and an open game would suit Maritzburg.
“It’s going to be an open game where no one will hold back and we will all be looking to lift the cup.
“I believe we may have more energy than them in the end because we are younger.
“We also a solid game plan from the technical team so we are confident all the way,” he added.
While it’s the first cup final for Maritzburg, the last time Ea Lla Koto were in a final was in 1999.