Stars knock Downs out

Platinum Stars are aiming to rewrite the history books.

Up to now, there's only one man who has won the Telkom Knockout back to back and he, too, is fighting for his job with every match.

Vladimir Vermezovic of Orlando Pirates is under fire for poor results but still has his record from when he was Kaizer Chiefs coach intact.

But now Allan Freese is on the verge of joining him on this elite list after masterminding a narrow 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinals here yesterday afternoon.

Dikwena are second from bottom on the Absa Premiership table after nine matches, but Freese has somehow managed to maintain a perfect cup record that sees them taking on SuperSport United in the final on November 29, at a venue still to be decided.

If Sundowns didn't know it yet, then yesterday's loss made it official: Dikwena are their hoodoo side.

For a second time this season, a Sundowns man hurt them. Eleazar Rodgers, on loan at Stars from Chloorkop, scored on 51 minutes to shatter the Brazilians's dream of a first cup final in two years.

In the scorching heat of Phokeng, Sundowns, the visiting team, appeared in control until Dikwena took a shock lead through Rodgers.

Not long after coach Pitso Mosimane had brought in fresh legs in Mame Niang, Ejike Uzoenyi and Katlego Mashego for a final push in searching for the equaliser, disaster struck when left back Tebogo Langerman was red-carded for a second bookable offence.