Da Gama is hoping to buck trend

Nedbank Ke Yona Team coach Owen da Gama (above) is hoping for a change of fortune with this year’s squad and believes his side are capable of surprising SuperSport United at the Makhulong Stadium on Sunday.

Since the inception of the Ke Yona Team in 2013, no side has ever beaten the Nedbank Cup holders.

“This is a very special group of players,” said Da Gama. “They are very passionate about the game and you could tell they are hungry to impress against SuperSport.”

“We have played a couple of friendly matches in our buildup to this match and I can tell you these players have really impressed us.”

Da Gama, who has been working alongside Shakes Mashaba, Khabo Zondo and Mike Mangena in their search to find the best players in the country, says they found it very difficult trying to come up with the final team.

But they are happy with the final 18 players who have also been drafted to 16 Absa Premiership clubs for a one-month long trial. Matsatsantsa and Orlando Pirates received two players each for being the finalists of the Nedbank Cup.

“The search was very tough, we disagreed over some of the selections, but we finally got the final squad. Now it’s their time to shine and show the nation what they can do,” he added.

“It is a great opportunity for the boys and they should grab it with both hands. They’ve come very far to get where they are and they have been working really hard in the last couple of weeks to ensure they achieve their dreams.”

SuperSport coach Eric Tinkler, meanwhile, has promised to bring out his best available squad for the game, with some of his players out on international duty.

“Some of our players won’t be with us, but we still going to bring out the best team possible.”