Van Heerden out to make his Marc
FOR BUCS TO ADD SOME NEEDED SHINE
Pirates left-back desperate to earn a gold medal at a venue close to his heart.
Marc Van Heerden is hoping for a far better outcome this weekend than the last time he was part of a Nedbank Cup final.
Back in 2010, a suspended Van Heerden could only look on from the sidelines as AmaZulu lost 3-0 to Bidvest Wits in the first match played at the revamped FNB Stadium.
On Saturday, the 29-year-old left back is set to start for Orlando Pirates, as they aim to put some gloss on a poor season, by beating SuperSport United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
“Unfortunately I didn’t play (in 2010) but I still have memories of watching that final and I was disappointed that day,” said Van Heerden.
“Hopefully come Saturday it will be a different story. If I am given a chance it will be great to play in a final and obviously to win the final.”
Van Heerden had words of praise for Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret, who has managed to guide the Buccaneers to the final in a tumultuous campaign, after coming in as head coach on February 20. The Buccaneers finished outside the top eight for the first time in their Premier Soccer League history, but now have a shot at revenge over SuperSport, who beat them in last year’s Nedbank Cup final.
“He has given us specific instructions, with regard to individual players and team tactics, and kept us positive and motivated to win this,” said Van Heerden of Jonevret.
“He has only been here a couple of months and wants us to go out with a trophy. As he said, this is our opportunity to make this season a good one.”
Van Heerden spent some time in his youth at the SuperSport academy though he does not recall anyone he grew up with as being part of the current Matsatsantsa senior side.
“I was there many years ago … they are a good club and they always like to play quality opposition, they raise their game,” added Van Heerden.
The Pirates left-back is also looking forward to playing a final in Durban, where he spent so many seasons with AmaZulu.
“It will mean a lot to me, I played many years at that stadium, so to win a gold medal there would touch my heart a lot,” he said.