Platinum Stars coach Cavin Johnson has praised his side’s fighting spirit after advancing to the next round of the Caf Confederations Cup on Saturday.

Dikwena secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mozambican side Uniao do Songo in their second leg tie, courtesy of a goal by striker Ndumiso Mabena at the Zimpeto Stadium, with a 2-0 aggregate score.

The 58-year-old has heaped praise on the fighting spirit Dikwena showed over the period of their two-legged ties following their progression to the next round.

‘It’s good for the club that we are able to go to the next round. And who knows, the football gods might be on our side and we go to the group stages,’ Johnson told the Platinum Stars website.

‘The boys were able to put in a good shift and come out under difficult circumstances. Our opponents played like they did before. They tried to catch us on a counter.

‘I thought the boys did very well. They held the ball well. With instructions to go wide, we did that and we scored the goal.’

Johnson says he will be hoping that Mabena’s goal against Uniao do Songo will help him rediscover his goal-scoring form this season.

‘I hope the goal does Mabena’s confidence well. He did well tonight, though he made a few individual mistakes. I just hope the goal picks him up and builds his confidence,’ He added.

Johnson and his men will now have to switch their focus to the PSL, where they will clash with African champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Dikwena host Sundowns at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Tuesday night. Johnson is hoping his men will continue where they left off.

The former SuperSport United coach has urged his side to give their all against Sundowns and insists that Dikwena will now prepare for a difficult Absa Premiership clash against the African champions.

‘I think this game was as big as Sundowns. The difference is that Sundowns are African champions. We have got to go there and do as best as we can,’ Johnson said.

‘Sundowns are there to always give you a good game. We just have to know what we do in certain moments of the game.’

Platinum Stars will be hoping to continue their winning ways when they take on an in-form Mamelodi Sundowns side at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday.

Kick-off has been set for 19:30.