SANTOS coach Abubakaar "Boebie" Solomons is optimistic that his charges will reach the finals of the lucrative Telkom Knockout after beating Platinum Stars 5-3 on penalties at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon.

The sides were level at 1-all at full time and the score remained the same after extra time.

Santos's goal was scored on 28 minutes through a diving header from Jonathan Armogam from a cross by Jonathan Fransman, who was also chosen as man of the match.

The visitors' equaliser was nailed by substitute Nathan Paulse in the 88th minute after receiving a pass from teammate Thuso Phala.

The Santos mentor spoke to Sowetan after the game and felt that his charges have been inspired by the victory and in 10 days' time, they will be ready for their trip to Gauteng to face Kaizer Chiefs in a league encounter.

"Though we won on penalties against Platinum Stars, I was impressed by my guys' performance. I will have to work on my defence, which is not tight and solid, and Chiefs must be ready for a tough game," warned Solomons.

While his counterpart at Stars, Owen Da Gama, was disappointed with the result, he told Sowetan that they will now focus on the league and prepare for Free State Stars whom they meet in two weeks' time.

Santos's successful penalty takers were Tyren Arendse, Eleazar Rodgers, Bonginkosi Macala, Fransman and Pere Ariweriyai.

Stars' penalties which found the net came from Paulse, Morgan Shivambu and Vuyo Mere, while Mbuyiselo Sambu's penalty kick was saved by Santos keeper Tshepo Motsoeneng.