SuperSport United head into their third successive MTN8 final, this time facing Highlands Park after two finals against Cape Town City. SoccerClub writer DEAN WORKMAN picks five players who could fire Kaitano Tembo’s men to glory.
Matsatsantsa come into the game as many people’s favourites to claim a second MTN8 crown in three seasons, after they smashed Bidvest Wits 3-0 in the quarters and then defeated Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 over their two-legged semi-final.
Their opponents, Highlands Park, are no pushovers, though. They have been impressive since returning to the Absa Premiership last season after just one year in the NFD, following relegation in the 2016-17 season.
Owen Da Gama’s charges shocked many as they finished seventh last season, booking them a spot in the top-eight competition. They continued to make waves this season as they knocked out Orlando Pirates with a 1-0 win in the quarters before overcoming Polokwane City in the semi-finals.
United coach Tembo, though, has been blessed with a run of good form from a number of his important players at the start of the season. SoccerClub picks five United stars who could make the difference at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday:
Bradley Grobler
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) October 1, 2019
The Bafana Bafana striker has started the 2019-20 season on fire after struggling with injuries throughout the previous campaign. Grobler has scored six goals and bagged four assists across nine games in all competitions so far, showing a ruthless nature in front of goal.
The forward will come up against an organised and hard-working Highlands side renowned for their defensive structures, but SuperSport have been electric going forward this season and should a chance fall to Grobler on Saturday, he will certainly be ready to tuck it away.
Thamsanqa Gabuza
Counting down to the final! days to go#MTN8Final #wafawafa#ForeverUnited pic.twitter.com/m7zxjDQVos
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) September 30, 2019
The big striker has hit the ground running since his arrival from Orlando Pirates at the start of the season. Gabuza’s strength and ability to play as a target man has proved to be the perfect foil to the in-form Grobler, with the two spearheading a free-scoring team.
The former Pirates hitman has relished playing in the MTN8 where he has scored three goals and bagged two assists across the three games so far. He could prove to be a thorn in the side of a Highlands side who look to use their physicality against opponents.
Ronwen Williams
The Bafana Bafana stopper has enjoyed the best 12 months of his career to date. The 27-year-old won the 2018-19 PSL Goalkeeper of the Year award before going on to secure his spot in the Bafana Bafana side which made it to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Williams’ ability is there for all to see and in this game, which is expected to be tight, his shotstopping ability could prove vital. Let’s also not forget his importance in a possible penalty shootout, with Williams considered as one of the country’s best at stopping a spot kicks.
Sipho Mbule
The 21-year-old has shot to prominence this season having played a part in every single game of the season so far for Matsatsantsa, after just four appearances all of last season.
Tembo has spoken of Mbule’s change in mindset at the start of pre-season which had the young midfielder breaking into the starting 11.
The youngster has slotted right into the top of the midfield diamond with Dean Furman and Tebogo Mokoena at the base, and has added a fresh dynamic and energy to the side.
Highlands will have to be aware of Mbule’s movement and ability to keep the ball ticking, while the youngster will be hoping to further enhance his growing reputation with a decisive display in a cup final.
Dean Furman
Dean Furman: “We are preparing ourselves for a tough encounter. They are a really great team and they have been having a good run…” pic.twitter.com/2SNLsDUSCj
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) September 30, 2019
In a side, and particularly a midfield packed with young players, the experience and know-how of the SuperSport captain will prove vital on Saturday.
Furman’s engine, communication and leadership abilities will count for a lot as his side comes up against one of the hardest-working teams in the league who have nothing to lose.
Should Matsatsantsa go on to lift the MTN8 trophy come Saturday evening, the skipper will certainly be one of the players who will have had a major influence.
