Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Diski delight for cup final
THERE were few doubts that were cast on the launch of the DStv Compact Cup early this month. But the tournament has developed an identity of its own. There are development players that have caught the attention of top flight coaches.
All four teams must field one DStv Diski Challenge player throughout the match. This started in the semi-finals at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last Saturday.
It was then that Coastal United’s Luphumlo Sifumba rose to prominence. The 16-year-old striker made a telling cameo by scoring from distance to seal his side’s 3-0 victory over Dinaledi.
This win for Coastal, who were the underdogs against Dinaledi – the Northern region outfit that has personnel from Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants – ensured that they will meet Warriors in today’s final at the FNB Stadium.
While R1 million and bragging rights are up for grabs, rival coaches Steve Barker and Dylan Kerr have stressed the importance of the players enjoying themselves.
“To take the goal like he did, he showed great quality, tactical ability and tactical awareness,” Coastal coach Barker said of Sifumba’s goal. “In training, he’s fitted in superbly. He doesn’t look out of place and that’s exciting for us.
“We’ve just got to trust and hope these young talented players that we have in our country have better pathways that are created for them so that the national team can gain. It’s important that we learn new things as there’s work to be done.”
The Cape Town City forward, Sifumba, will not be the only Diski player that will be hoping to impress more in the final at FNB. Warriors have Mduduzi Shabalala, 17, who assisted the winning goal against Amabutho.
In recent weeks, rumours have been rife that the Kaizer Chiefs man has been invited by Spanish giants Barcelona for an assessment.
Meanwhile, the third/fourth place play-off match between Dinaledi and Amabutho will have youngsters of their own that will be eager to showcase their talent.
Dinaledi’s technical advisor Manqoba Mngqithi said the heavy schedule at Sundowns has prevented him from watching the Diski games, and he was astonished to learn that they have a rising gem in Kabelo Moagi.
“With the programme at Sundowns, of late, one hasn’t got enough time to look at these youngsters. But when we came with this team, there was a player from Sundowns who was in the squad,” Mngqithi said at the build-up press-conference.
“When I looked at the player in training, I was so surprised by how good he is. And I could see him playing for Sundowns in the near future. So you can see the positive spin-offs of the introductions of young players at this kind of space.”