Patrick Phungwayo admits that winning the Nedbank Cup is an amazing feeling, especially after being considered surplus to requirements at former club Orlando Pirates.

Goodman Dlamini’s solitary strike at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night clinched Free State Stars’ first trophy in 24 years after they saw off a resilient Maritzburg United outfit.

Phungwayo, who was one of the star performers on the night reveled in the fact that he lifted his third Nedbank Cup title.

The 30-year-old enjoyed a stellar first season with El La Koto as he silenced detractors who believed he was over the hill after leaving Pirates.

‘It’s a great feeling and I am happy for the club after 24 years without a title and we have made history,’ he told the media.

‘From struggling with relegation to fighting for a top-eight position and winning a trophy, it’s been incredible.’

The former Bidvest Wits defender heaped praise on coach Luc Eymael for transforming the squad from relegation candidates to Nedbank Cup champions.

‘The coach is a winner and he convinced me to come here. Stars have been in the league for many years and it was about time that we got the club to a top level,’ he continued.

Phungwayo also had a say about his future, suggesting that he does not know where it lies for the moment.

‘In football, you can never guarantee your stay in any team. I enjoyed my stay at Pirates and achieved a lot, so Stars was a good place for me.

‘I cannot talk about my future, I just want to celebrate rewriting history,’ he concluded.

Photo: Backpagepix