GREAT DISPLAY OF INTENT
Jerry sings praises of five young finds
Orlando Pirates legend Jerry Sikhosana says the five players who made the last 18-man squad of the Nedbank Ke Yona Challenge that lost 2-1 to TS Galaxy at the Kameelrivier Stadium over the weekend brought a sense of unity to the inexperienced side.
The former Tornado coach, Sikhosana, who is now a Nedbank Ke Yona Challenge mentor, was reflecting on the performance displayed by the five Nedbank Ke Yona Challenge cadets selected in the Eastern Cape.
Khanyiso Ginxa (Kwazakhele), Sive Gqezengele (New Brighton), Luke Groep (Amalinda), Siwaphiwe Maso (Mthatha) and Enoch Puzi (New Brighton) all had a stunning run, according to Sikhosana.
“I want to thank the five boys from the Eastern Cape for making it into the last 18 and for also giving their all when they got the opportunity to play against TS Galaxy,” he said.
“But most importantly, a football team is based on the spirit of brotherhood within the team, and being somebody who has worked in the Eastern Cape (when he was coaching Tornado in the ABC Motsepe League) the signing part was important. The players from the Eastern Cape brought everybody together with the singing.”
Sikhosana said they made him reminisce about his days when he was still leading the Mdantsane-based third-tier league reigning champions.
“Those boys took me back to my days of coaching that side, there was a lot of singing of nice Xhosa songs, and all five of them were just marvels.
“Everyone felt at home, and I think they have the relevant experience of playing football, and but in general EC always produces quality players. Hence we were really satisfied with the way they played. After seeing Luke Groep get stage fright we had to replace him, but nevertheless, he had a good game.
“Especially the three guys who were in the starting lineup, they made good efforts despite having a lot of difficulty with adjusting. We couldn’t keep them there and frustrated because they were not coping.
“That’s why we took out Maso and Groep – just to change the game and stabilise it and give the others a chance. Stage fright was a stumbling block for most of them but other than that they were brilliant.”
Maso said after being rejected by the Ke Yona Challenge mentors he had to give his all this time.
‘‘One thing I am happy about is the fact we were able to find a goal. I am happy that I was part of the matchday squad even though I was substituted in the second half,” said Maso.
All 18 players will be drafted into 16 Premier Soccer League teams where they will each be put on trial – with the hope of signing contracts of employment when they finish the onemonth trial.