MAMELODI Sundowns, barely able to win a game in the league, are through to the Telkom Knockout final, but coach Johan Neeskens is not about to start predicting a turnaround for his team just yet.
The Brazilians were 1-0 winners over SuperSport United in a closely fought semifinal clash in Polokwane on Saturday night to reverse the result of the Nedbank Cup final in May where Matsatsantsa won 2-0.
After an appalling start in the Absa Premiership, where big-spending Downs find themselves in last place for the first time in the PSL era, Neeskens is hoping for a trophy in the Telkom.
The coach said beating United was already a boost to his players' confidence, but steered clear of predicting a turnaround.
"First of all, I think this should give us a confidence boost, by winning against an opponent like SuperSport," the former Dutch playing great said.
"And then you have to take it game by game. We'll keep working hard, we'll give our best and try to come out of there. My challenge is to come away from the bottom spot, step by step. And then we'll see in the next five games how things are going and where we're standing. We'll take it game by game."
With United in 11th place in the league, neither side came into the game brimming with confidence. Eleazar Rodgers's 17th-minute goal separated the sides in the tense, competitive Pretoria derby where Grant Kekana struck the crossbar for United in the first half and Mor Diouf again deep into injury time.
United coach Gavin Hunt said: "It's very frustrating as a coach because you know that a goal here, or defend there properly and it can turn eight draws and tonight's game into victories. But a lot of games are like that in the PSL."
One step at a time for Neeskens
MAMELODI Sundowns, barely able to win a game in the league, are through to the Telkom Knockout final, but coach Johan Neeskens is not about to start predicting a turnaround for his team just yet.
The Brazilians were 1-0 winners over SuperSport United in a closely fought semifinal clash in Polokwane on Saturday night to reverse the result of the Nedbank Cup final in May where Matsatsantsa won 2-0.
After an appalling start in the Absa Premiership, where big-spending Downs find themselves in last place for the first time in the PSL era, Neeskens is hoping for a trophy in the Telkom.
The coach said beating United was already a boost to his players' confidence, but steered clear of predicting a turnaround.
"First of all, I think this should give us a confidence boost, by winning against an opponent like SuperSport," the former Dutch playing great said.
"And then you have to take it game by game. We'll keep working hard, we'll give our best and try to come out of there. My challenge is to come away from the bottom spot, step by step. And then we'll see in the next five games how things are going and where we're standing. We'll take it game by game."
With United in 11th place in the league, neither side came into the game brimming with confidence. Eleazar Rodgers's 17th-minute goal separated the sides in the tense, competitive Pretoria derby where Grant Kekana struck the crossbar for United in the first half and Mor Diouf again deep into injury time.
United coach Gavin Hunt said: "It's very frustrating as a coach because you know that a goal here, or defend there properly and it can turn eight draws and tonight's game into victories. But a lot of games are like that in the PSL."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos