SuperSport United's second choice goalkeeper Boalefa Pule waited for so long to get a chance to play and when it finally came on Saturday, the man he adored the most was not there to watch him.

Pule lost his father in February and dedicated his cameo appearance in the Nedbank Cup final at Peter Mokaba Stadium to his father, who was not convinced that football is a career his son should follow.

Pule replaced injured Ronwen Williams in the 77th minute and was not fazed by the challenge.

"When I saw Ronwen going down, I had those butterflies in my tummy. The coach [Stuart Baxter] told me to enjoy the game, so I was relaxed.

"I lost my father in February. He is the one who was telling me my chance would come. Unfortunately he did not see me playing today, but I am sure he's happy wherever he is. My father wanted me to focus on education," said Pule, who has a diploma in sports science.

"It has taken time for me to get used to being without a father because I just got my [own] son last year. Whenever I look at my son, the memories of my father come back. I get a lot of support from my wife and my mother."

Pule was a regular goalkeeper for the national under-20 team and most of his former Amajita teammates have made good progress in their careers while he spent a lot of time on the SuperSport bench.

He said he was looking forward to the challenge from incoming goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse, who is set to join from Kaizer Chiefs.