Tinkler has the final say
Goalkeeper Williams headlines SuperSport MTN8 cup victory
Ten-man SuperSport United denied Benni McCarthy what was going to be his first cup glory in this 10th edition of the MTN8 cup.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero for Matsatsantsa a Pitori, saving Lyle Lakay and Judas Moseamedi spot-kicks to give his side the second trophy in this event after last winning it in 2004 here in Durban.
This cup success comes three months after United won the Nedbank Cup at this very ground where they dismantled Orlando Pirates 4-1.
Yesterday’s victory further confirmed United’s dominance in collecting cups in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). This was their seventh cup success in 21 years since the PSL was founded in 1996. They also have three league titles in their cabinet.
Ten minutes from full time, Eric Tinkler’s team staged a comeback, with Thuso Phala getting the all-important equaliser in the 80th minute after receiving a good assist from striker Bradley Grobler.
City had gone ahead against the run of play in the first half when Sibusiso Masina slotted home from an Ebrahim Seedat pass.
Masina’s goal came when SuperSport were dominating the match in which they had three corners inside the first 20 minutes, with Aubrey Modiba leading the onslaught, overlapping on the left flank.
But as soon as City had taken the lead midway through the first stanza, the complexion of the match changed completely.
It was during this time that veteran midfield maestro Teko Modise started to connect with his teammates, dishing some telling passes much to the frustration of Tinkler.
One of Modise’s passes went to striker Lehlohonolo Majoro, who should have buried it but his lack of sharpness let him down.
United’s resistance went pear-shaped when striker Thabo Mnyamane was forced to go off eight minutes from time with what looked like a groin injury. Tinkler had already exhausted his substitutions.
At that time, the novice McCarthy still had a substitute to make, bringing on striker Moseamedi for defender Mpho Matsi.
Even though from then on the game went City’s way, McCarthy’s team failed to capitalise on their extra man even in extra-time when United had defender Clayton Daniels and striker Grobler limping with injuries they sustained in the bruising battles.
Even though McCarthy came with a promising record to this match, he was not expected to humble his former and senior Bafana Bafana teammate Tinkler, another young South African coach whose stock has been rising in recent years.
United’s win brought sweet revenge in their favour after losing 2-1 to City in the Telkom Knockout final last year. Ironically, it was Tinkler who was sitting on City’s bench when they beat Matsatsantsa.
Although the buzz was fantastic at Moses Mabhida Stadium, only an estimated 20 000 spectators turned up to watch the two teams who hardly have any connection with the people and the city of Durban.
The turnout was not surprising as there was no vibe or fans blowing vuvuzelas in the nearby townships before kick-off.
Matsatsantsa’s win brought sweet revenge in their favour after losing 2-1 to City in the Telkom Knockout