Free State Stars goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni will retain his starting-berth in the Nedbank Cup final against Maritzburg United in Cape Town.

The former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper and Mamelodi Sundowns loanee has been integral in El La Koto’s run to the final and is set to retain his place between the sticks, while The Team of Choice are poised to utilise the experience of Ghanian shot-stopper Richard Ofori.

‘[Badra] Sangare has been doing very well for us in the league,’ Stars assistant-coach Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala said in a press-conference.

‘But when we signed Ngobeni on loan from Sundowns we didn’t want him to just be on the bench.

‘So we used him in the cup competitions and you have seen that his performances won some games for us.

‘So, on Saturday, we will go with Ngobeni because he has been the one who has been doing the job for us in the cup competition,’ he added

Maritzburg’ assistant Mahier Davids heaped praise on Ghanian shot-stopper Oforu, citing his international experience as a massive bonus.

‘Ofori has been Ghana’s number one goalkeeper, so it was a huge scoop when we got him at Maritzburg,’ he added.

‘He has been among the top three keepers in the PSL this season.

‘He is only 24 years old, but he brings great leadership to the team and his international experience has brought a confidence not just to the defence but to the entire team.

‘We hope he can keep on producing the same good performances for us,’ he concluded.

The two sides will do duty at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening with kickoff set for 7pm.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/Backpagepix