MTN8 High Noon Da Gama must devise a plan to stop the double G trouble of Gabuza and Grobler in MTN8 final
Striker is a man born anew as he chases cup glory at new club
● Like a sharpshooting gunslinger in a Wild West flick, gung-ho Thamsanqa Gabuza is firing on all cylinders as his horse gallops towards the High Noon of the MTN8 cup final.
After six years of being a recipient of ridicule and a subject of scorn from the unforgiving Ghost — as the supporters of his former club Orlando Pirates are affectionately known — Gabuza is a man born anew and showered with affection at his new club SuperSport United.
As things stand, Gabuza is set to follow in the footsteps of ex-Bucs boss Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic in the direction of Trophydom.
Following Micho to Trophydom?
Trophydom? Yeah, that place where clubs collect cups with frequent regularity rather than four-year droughts.
After disembarking the Sea Robbers ship, self-titled Serbian Wolf Sredojevic scored silverware when he led Zamalek to the Egyptian Cup title within a month after his arrival — a feat that eluded him for two seasons at Pirates.
Gabuza’s swapping of SA’s biggest township, Soweto, for the country’s capital Pretoria has brought a promise of instant success. The Newcastle-born striker stands 90 minutes (plus possible extra time or even penalties) from savouring the sweet taste of success.
Hitting the bullseye
Should SuperSport succeed in beating Highlands Park at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday (kick-off at 6pm), Gabuza may very well hoist a trophy at the home of the boo brigade who harangued him for the better part of his six-year stay at Bucs for whom he scored a negligible 11 goals in 95 matches.
The change of scenery has seen him hit the bullseye four times in eight games in all competitions. Three of those came in as many matches in this competition, coupled with two assists.
Highlands will be confronted by a doubletrouble striking headache. Gabuza’s partner in crime, Bradley Grobler, is no slouch either, finding fine form with five Premier Soccer League (PSL) goals and one in the MTN8. The twin threat hasn’t escaped Highlands coach Owen Da Gama. But the former Bafana Bafana assistant coach feels he knows the duo well.
“I worked with Gabuza at Bafana. He was hardly playing for Pirates, but scoring goals for Bafana. I know his qualities.
“It is very seldom you get a tall player who possesses aerial prowess and speed. He can play as a striker to hold up play, or be a natural attacking striker going forward
“I’m not surprised by his form as I’ve always known that there’s great quality in Gabuza.”
Da Gama has known Grobler, son of erstwhile Moroka Swallows striker Les, since their days at Silver Stars whom Da Gama led to the final of the Coca-Cola Cup in 2003 before lifting the Telkom Knockout Cup three years later, beating Ajax Cape Town 3-0.
Double G, a dangerous combo
“Bradley was in our junior ranks and when we promoted him to the seniors he made his mark against SuperSport.
“I’ll never forget that day. We played a friendly and beat them 6-0 with Bradley scoring all the goals. He is a great finisher. His strength is ability to finish with both the left and right, and his head. Him and Gabuza form a dangerous combo.”
Just like Sipho Mbule and Tebogo Mokoena, the midfield duo with a penchant for goals. Highlands won’t saunter into Orlando like lambs ready to be slaughtered and will give Da Gama’s opposite number Kaitano Tembo a lot to ponder on.
Their spearhead, Peter Shalulile, like Grobler, has five PSL goals. The last line of defence, Thela Ngobeni, is a seasoned, solid campaigner whose spot-kick saves against Polokwane City secured the spot in the final. Lindokuhle Mbatha conducts the creative choir, while Mothobi Mvala has the requisite steel and goal threat. Ryan Rae has rocket launchers for arms, which make his throwins look like free-kicks.
“We’ll play our hard-running game with a good tactical approach. We are under no illusions that we are underdogs. There is a name already on that trophy and we hope it is ours,” said Da Gama.