WHO WILL WIN?
Upcoming MTN8 Cup final keeps fans guessing
The teachings of Bush Bucks will help former club stalwart John Maduka lift the MTN Cup when his Bloemfontein Celtic team play Orlando Pirates in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on December 12. This is the conviction of Thabo September, who also cut his teeth at the defunct Mthatha-based PSL side.
Now one of the ambassadors of the MTN Cup competition, September says Maduka’ s meteoric rise as Celtic coach can be traced back to the discipline instilled by Bucks© bosses.
“This is where we were taught about the importance of discipline and I can tell you every player who played for Bush Bucks will tell you the same thing,” he said.
“Club bosses like Sturu Pasiya always emphasised the importance of discipline and that is why almost everyone who once played for that club is making a mark in his chosen career.”
September did not get a chance to share the field with Maduka as the Malawian-born coach was already on his way out when he arrived in 2004.
But his legacy was evident and the trophies he won with the club adorned their offices.
“Duks had already left but his presence was still felt at the club because he was such an important player.”
September arrived when Bucks had just relocated from Mthatha to East London and he carved his own niche, earning rave reviews in defence as calls for him to be included in the Bafana Bafana squad reached a crescendo.
His performance soon earned him a contract at SuperSport United, where he continued to excel, winning numerous trophies barring the MTN Cup. —
That is the one trophy that “eluded me,” he lamented.
I was beaten in the finals “twice, first by Moroka Swallows in 2012 and then by Chiefs. This is quite a funny cup in that it tends to elude the clubs that usually win everything.”
Going to the finals, it is easy to understand where his heart lies.
Obviously I am going with “
Celtic for a number of reasons,” he said.
First, for the players to perform “the way they do despite all the challenges facing the club is admirable.
“Remember there were reports that the club was to be sold, and then there were stories that players were not receiving their salaries.
“Yet these guys have ensured that these challenges did not affect them on the field of play. I feel they deserve something, with the way they have performed.
“And then there is the John Maduka factor. If Maduka wins this trophy he will fulfil the ambitions we had at Bush Bucks, and it will be a good reconnection with what we did at the club back in the days.
"I ’ m pretty sure even the likes of baba Sturu will be delighted.”
September, who is from Knysna but has close family in Komani, says he keeps in regular contact with Pasiya.
“I speak to him a lot on the phone. And I visit Ezibeleni in Komani, where my mother was born, quite often. The Eastern Cape is my home.”
September, one of the junior coaches at SuperSport United, says while his allegiance lies with Maduka he was unhappy when his club was eliminated by Celtic in the semifinals of the MTN Cup.
“We underestimated Celtic because of their challenges.
"We had inexperienced players who thought they simply needed to show up to win the game. ”
Who does he pick to rule supreme at Moses Mabhida Stadium?
“Celtic. I know Pirates have not won any silverware in six years but I feel this cup has Celtic ’ s name written on it.”