DAN Malesela was a fantastic defender in his own right, but admits he will be coming up against his idol when United FC travel to Jomo Cosmos in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 on Saturday.
Malesela, pictured, represented Orlando Pirates, Manning Rangers and Mamelodi Sundowns during his playing career, one of the most respected figures of the 1990s.
Now in charge of National First Division side United FC after leaving Sundowns' development outfit last season, he is hoping to plot the downfall of Jomo Sono and reach the quarterfinals of the competition for the first time in his club's history.
"I have always been an Orlando Pirates fan and Jomo was one of the people who I viewed as a role model when growing up," Malesela said. "To come up against your idol is something special. Jomo has done so much to develop football here and his contribution to the game should be celebrated."
But idol or not, Malesela, nicknamed "Dance" in his playing days, says once the match kicks off on Saturday, all thoughts will turn to getting a win.
United FC have been solid this season and are just four points off the promotion playoff places - and six ahead of Cosmos.
United FC's league fixture against Cosmos earlier in the campaign finished 2-2.
Malesela plots downfall of idol
DAN Malesela was a fantastic defender in his own right, but admits he will be coming up against his idol when United FC travel to Jomo Cosmos in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 on Saturday.
Malesela, pictured, represented Orlando Pirates, Manning Rangers and Mamelodi Sundowns during his playing career, one of the most respected figures of the 1990s.
Now in charge of National First Division side United FC after leaving Sundowns' development outfit last season, he is hoping to plot the downfall of Jomo Sono and reach the quarterfinals of the competition for the first time in his club's history.
"I have always been an Orlando Pirates fan and Jomo was one of the people who I viewed as a role model when growing up," Malesela said. "To come up against your idol is something special. Jomo has done so much to develop football here and his contribution to the game should be celebrated."
But idol or not, Malesela, nicknamed "Dance" in his playing days, says once the match kicks off on Saturday, all thoughts will turn to getting a win.
United FC have been solid this season and are just four points off the promotion playoff places - and six ahead of Cosmos.
United FC's league fixture against Cosmos earlier in the campaign finished 2-2.
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