We want to outsmart Steve
Celine Abrahams: Coach Muisi, it must be exciting times for TS Galaxy as, in your first stint in the Nedbank Cup, you find yourselves in the last four.
Muisi Ajao:
We are very happy that, as a club, we have managed to achieve this and credit must be given to the coach (Dan Malesela), the rest of the technical team and the players who have done a great job on the field. For us, just getting to the quarterfinal round meant a lot to everyone and now we find ourselves in the semi-final. It is a great achievement for a club that is in its first season in the NFD and now going up against a PSL team to stand a chance to win silverware. It’s a big deal and it is exciting.
CA: Nerve-wrecking it must be, too, though…
MA:
I think it’s a massive boost for the boys. They know how much this means to them as players and as a team. We are not nervous about it at all because we are enjoying this moment and working hard to make our dreams a reality. We feel very privileged to have this platform to showcase ourselves and we are going to continue to play like we have been playing since the start of this competition. The environment at the club right now is wonderful because everyone is amped about this achievement. I believe this is also going to help us as we travel down to KZN that we take this good spirit and continue to showcase it on game day. Everyone in life desires to do well in whatever career path they are in and we are no different. We might not be a PSL team like our opponents, but at the end of the day, it is 11 v 11 on the field and we are going to go out there and play our game.
CA: Coach Dan spoke about the players getting caught under pressure in the match against Cape Umoya United in the quarters. In that case, how are you going to manage your players against Golden Arrows?
MA:
When it comes to the Nedbank Cup, anything can happen. Yes, everyone is pointing out that Arrows are the more experienced side and that we are the underdogs, but honestly, we are all professionals. We know what is at stake and it is normal to get nervous. Everyone gets nervous, but I think as the game goes on, you get into a rhythm and that starts to get off of your mind. That’s why we are there as coaches, to help the players and guide them as much as possible. We believe in our players and everyone is here to support the team. We have a great management and, like I said earlier, we have a good environment and atmosphere here, which is going to play a big part in our quest to do well in this game. Yes, we have only played against lower division teams, but also, against the likes of Umvoti and (Jomo) Cosmos it wasn’t easy. We are going to take this game as it comes and enjoy it. We know that coach Steve (Komphela) is going to prepare very well for the game. He is a very good coach and we have respect for him, but on the day, we want to outsmart him and make history for ourselves. It is going to be a good match and we are looking forward to it. CA: We wish you all the best. MA: Thank you. We appreciate it, dear.