Truter, Sekhukhune get divine inspiration
VICTORIOUS Sekhukhune United coach Brandon Truter revealed, unashamedly, that his team operated on a wing and a prayer in the wake of their Nedbank Cup semi-final victory in the Winelands on Sunday.
Following Sekhukhune's 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Stellenbosch, Truter spoke at length about the difficulties his team faced ahead of the showdown.
Usually, when starting out on his post-match interviews, Truter thanks
God for his team's good fortunes and it would seem the team has relied heavily on divine intervention. On Sunday, Truter said Sekhukhune's prayer group had also made the trip to Cape Town to offer support for the coach and the team.
“I am just grateful for what God is doing in this team," said Truter.
"We faced so many struggles with influenza, fatigue, suspensions, injuries and all those things when we were preparing for this game. We did a lot of praying, and God came through for us at the right time.
“It was a lot of effort from the players as well. I love God, but I also love my players.
"We give Him all the praise. As for the players this was a massive effort coming here. It was a great effort from the guys.
"This semi-final win means a lot to the club since it is their first cup final. Being in the Nedbank Cup final also guarantees us a spot in Africa.
Sekhukhune will play in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
"Next year we've qualified for a
CAF tournament, although we are not prepared for it. God qualifies the unqualified teams."
Truter may have had reason to believe that Sekhukhune enjoyed divine inspiration after a substitution in the final minute of extra-time at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday evening.
Sekhkhune replaced their Ivorian goalkeeper Ali Sangaré with the club's third choice keeper Ntokozo Mtsweni. The club's second choice keeper Zambian Toaster Nsabata was not available for the match.
Mtsweni became the hero for Sekhkhune after he saved penalties from Iqraam Rayners and Venezuelan Juan Ortiz and that secured passage to the 2023 Nedbank Cup final at Loftus Versfeld on May 27 against Orlando Pirates.