Early success

AUBREY MODIBA will frame the No 16 jersey he played in during that historic 4-1 victory over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final last weekend.

And that’s because the 21-year-old midfielder never thought he would realise his dream of winning a cup final so soonin his professional career.

That dream came to pass when his now former coach, Stuart Baxter, gave him the nod to start in that win, which saw SuperSport United become the first team to defend the Nedbank Cup title since the bank took over as the sponsor.

Modiba, said he couldn’t believe it when he was handed a winner’s medal by the dignitaries after full-time.

“Both my mom and grandma were so happy for me,” Modiba said. “They called me before and after the match. They wanted to check up on me and congratulate me. It was a dream come true. That’s one of the reason why I joined SuperSport when Stan Matthews (United’s chief executive) called and said they were interested in having me at the club. I wanted to win things. The Nedbank trophy is a good start. I never thought it would happen so soon, though.

“I intend to have the jersey I played in signed (by his teammates) and hang it on my wall. It was an historic achievement but we just have to continue fighting for more as a team.”

Modiba and Co will hope to carry on their fine cup performance, when they lock horns with Horoya in a CAF Confederation Cup Group D away clash on Saturday (kickoff 3pm). A win in Conakry, the Guinea capital, would see them overtake their hosts with a point and with a game to go, to top their group.

Modiba said he was expecting a difficult encounter against the current group leaders.

“It’s not going to be easy, especially playing them away from home,” Modiba said. “They came here and managed to take a point. “We know what coach Kaitano Tembo wants from us. His coaching methods are the same as (Baxter’s) and so, it’s not going to be difficult to implement his instructions.

“We are taking this competition very seriously,” Modiba added.

“Pirates have always been a team that served as a reference when it comes to club continental football. Mamelodi Sundowns are now in the mix.

“They are the defending champions (of the CAF Champions League).

“We want to be on that list of teams doing great on the continent …

“Our primary focus, though, is to make sure we reach the quarter-finals.

“Once that’s achieved, we’ll focus on the semis. Reaching the final would be a great achievement.”