/ 18 May 2010

Cup final selection headache for Wits

Cup Final Selection Headache For Wits

BidVest Wits head coach Roger de Sa, has a major selection headache ahead of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final against AmaZulu at the new multi-billion Soccer City. Kick-off is at 3pm.

The former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, however, for once will not have any sleepless nights before the final as his side is boosted by the return of four key players.

They are captain and central defensive strongman Tefu Mashamaite, Patrick Phungwayo, midfielder Houston Hills and striker Calvin Kadi, who are back in the squad after missing last week’s heroic 3-1 win after extra time against Free State Stars in Potchefstroom, due to suspensions.

Said De Sa after his squad trained at Milpark on Tuesday: “No question I have a selection problem, but it is the sort of problem any coach loves. I now have almost a full team to select from for the final after having five players missing against Stars last weekend.

“The headache comes in the form of who do I leave out after the boys played so well against Stars. My job is to select a side I believe will win the cup.”

De Sa said that what impressed him about the win over Stars was the fact he was down to three substitutes on the bench.

“That display was more like Wits of the old days when I played for the club. We tended to have our backs to the wall and usually our kit and bucket men doubled up as subs and we came through those tough days.

“The players deserve a lot of credit for the performance and now the headache of who to pick and who to leave on the bench is my problem, but I am not complaining.”

De Sa is a close friend of Usuthu coach Neil Tovey. They played together for Bafana and have kept close ties throughout the years.

But said De Sa: “My phone has been quite this week and I have not heard form Neil, but win or lose, we will have a drink after the game.”

De Sa described the new Soccer City as an “unbelievable monster and without doubt the bets stadium in Africa.”

Mashamaite said he was delighted to be back to lead the Clever Boys into the final in what will be the first match at the new Soccer City.

“It will be an historic occasion and as players it does not get any better.”

Mashamaite said a loss of focus saw Wits struggle in the second round of the league after a blistering start to the season. “After
we beat Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, we thought we had arrived.

“We became complacent and paid the price. Now we have our focus back and determined to end the season with a bang.”

Mashamaite said he and his defenders would keep a close eye on AmaZulu’s three strikers, Ayanda Dlamini, Dumisani Ngwenya and Sandile Gumede on Saturday.

“It is going to be tight, but hopefully we can end in without having to go into extra time.” — Sapa