Phala hungry for more
CLUB HERO: THERE IS A GREAT AMOUNT OF POSITIVE ENERGY
SuperSport coach took Pirates into the final in 2015.
Thuso Phala perfectly illustrated his value to SuperSport United by firing Matsatsantsa into their first Caf Confederation Cup semifinal, scoring both goals in their quarterfinal tie against Zesco United of Zambia.
Now the fans will be hoping for more of the same from Phala as Eric Tinkler’s side face Club Africain of Tunisia in the first leg of their semifinal on Sunday. SuperSport announced yesterday that the Confederation of African Football had decided to reschedule the game, which was originally set down for tomorrow.
“There is a great amount of positive energy in the camp and it has even rubbed off onto the technical staff. We made a great comeback playing away and that is a major confidence-booster for us as a team,” Phala told Caf Online.
The capital city-based side will go up against much more experienced campaigners in Club Africain, who finished as Confederation Cup runners-up in 2011 and won the more prestigious Champions League title in 1991
“We are coming up against the best four teams that remain in the competition so it will be even tougher,” Phala said.
SuperSport have not lost a match in this competition since before the group stages, and Phala has emphasised the importance of making sure they win in their own backyard before travelling to Tunisia later in October, after the Fifa international break.
“We need to ensure we keep a clean sheet at home because that is very important in continental competitions. Not conceding is the ideal situation but going further and winning at home will be a major boost for us,” said the former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns winger.
Like most of his team-mates and the SuperSport backroom staff at large, Phala is banking on the experience of coach Eric Tinkler, who guided Orlando Pirates to the Confederation Cup final in 2015.
“His experience is really helpful to us and the club,” said the 31-year-old.
“He knows this competition and knows what is required to reach the final. He unfortunately did not go all the way last time but this year could be a different story and we hope Eric’s luck will also rub off on us as a team,” he concluded.