SOCCER: Clinton Asary
WHEN the 24th BP Top 8 final kicks off on Saturday afternoon there will be two contrasting eras in South African soccer on view.
Wits defender Peter Gordon (31), in the twilight of a distinguished career that has spanned 11 years of professional soccer, 10 of them at Wits, might well be playing in his last Top 8 final.
Big Kaizer Chiefs striker Fortune Koloba (24), at the peak of his career and having joined the “Mighty Amakhosi” this season, will be playing in his first. Koloba is currently the league’s top scorer.
In all probability the two will be pitted against each other, providing one of the afternoon’s intriguing
But against Wits, apart from playing a highly motivated and disciplined student outfit, Chiefs, bidding for their 12th title, will also be up against the “Gordon
Gordon is the holder of a unique record against Chiefs, in fact he is probably the only player to hold the record, that makes “Amakhosi” supporters cringe with
The big central defender has lost count of how many times he has been in a Wits squad that has ousted Chiefs from cup competitions. “I’m not sure, I think its eight, but I have yet to win a medal in any competition, maybe it will be this year,” chuckled Gordon, who has played in two previous Top 8 finals .
Koloba, who is currently Chief’s leading scorer with five goals in as many games, had his first taste of big-time soccer success last season when his previous club, Vaal Professionals, won the Bob Save Superbowl.
Koloba’s sensational overhead kick provided the equalising goal minutes from time, saving the “Vaal Monsters” in their semifinal against Cape Town Spurs, which they won on penalties.
“I’m confident for the final, we will win. Maybe … no I am going to score two goals,” said Koloba, and added that the spirit was high in the Chiefs camp.
Playing for a big club like Chiefs has not changed him, “I’m still the same person, playing for Chiefs has made me more confident.”
One sentiment that both players share however, is that for each of them tomorrow will be a special day.