Polokwane pay the penalty as Celtic reach Knockout final

final of the Telkom Knockout final next month against Bidvest Wits, who beat Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday afternoon.

The game had a slow pace about it, although past fixtures between the two sides have often produced goals. Seeing the game go all the way to the lottery of penalties was not expected, but certainly became inevitable as the game progressed.

But substitute Tshegofatso Mabaso had other ideas following his introduction later on in the game. Mabena found him in the box through a free-kick that looked to have been practised on the training ground, and the striker got the job done as he it would have been expected.

Rendani Ndou’s thumping header just minutes from time cancelled out the goal at the other end, forcing the game into penalties.

Celtic scored four of their five penalties, while the hosts City only managed to convert three of their spot kicks which left them tasting defeat.

Wits have been given permission to wear their home strip in the final on December 2 at the Princess Magogo Stadium (kick-off at 6pm).

This will be Celtic’s first cup final since 2012, under then coach Clinton Larsen. Coincidentally it was the same tournament, Larsen getting the better of his counterpart Johan Neeskens, as Phunya Sele Sele beat Mamelodi Sundowns to clinch only their second trophy in the club’s history during the Premier Soccer League era.

Jelusic did not show much emotion in his post-match interview, but he would have been ecstatic to have reached a final of a knockout competition in his first season with the South African club.

“As we predicted it was a difficult game, but both sides gave it their best. We are happy, of course.

“I would like to commend our players and supporters. This was important for us. Wits are one of the best teams in the country. They are champions. We will have a tough game on our hands, but as usual we are going to compete,” the Serbian said.