Sekhukhune United coach Brendan Truter says their 1-1 draw encounter with Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premiership provided them with an opportunity to experiment with different tactics and information on what to expect from Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final this weekend.
It was in the last minutes of extra-time of their Nedbank Cup semi-final against Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven stadium when coach Truter made a crucial substitute.
In what he called a pre-planned move, coach Truter brought in substitute goalkeeper Ntokozo Mtshweni for Badra Ali Sangare in anticipation of the penalty shoot-out.
Truter was vindicated as Mtshweni went on to make two brilliant saves that helped the visitors to a 4-3 (0-0 AET) victory through penalties to secure a spot in the 2023 Nedbank Cup final.
A week later, Babina Noko faced fellow Nedbank Cup finalist Orlando Pirates in the penultimate DStv Premiership match that was dubbed as the “the final before the final”.
Despite Pirates taking the lead, Truter’s boys showed character when they equalized through Edwin Gyimah to earn a crucial point after the game ended 1-all.
Coach Truter believes the league match helped his team in terms of what to expect in the final.
“It was ideally what we can expect, I doubt they can change much, as it’s been their style of play during the whole season and they are very consistent with their line-ups,” Truter said.
“For us we tested different tactics, and have major changes from the semi-final against Stellenbosch. The game against Pirates played a major part to us and now we know what to expect from Pirates in the final.”
Truter is happy to go into the final as the underdog as it motivates his players – just like it was a case against Stellies in the semi-final.
“The underdog type suits us even going into the final, it serves as a purpose in driving the players forward and the supporters of the country, but we work in the attack which feed us and release a bit of pressure”.
When asked how he managed to achieve so much with Sekhukhune, despite only joining the team seven months ago, Truter said the quality of the squad he inherited gave him confidence.
“I joined Sekhukhune when they were in 15th position. I had to do a presentation on the squad, and what solutions I can come up with to get them out of the 15th position. And, hopefully qualify for the top 8, and go as far as we in the Nedbank Cup,” Truter added.
“I saw the players the team had and the playing style and philosophy I normally come with. I was quiet confident that I could get the club out of the rut and achieve the objectives.
“Football is not my major concern at this level but rather the man management, having to get into agreement with the players about playing game support, principles of play and sub principles. Also respect coming from both ways. I don’t believe there are bad players at this levels, my playing style might not work for most of them”.
Sekhukhune face Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at the Loftus Versveld stadium, Pretoria on Saturday, 27 May. kick-off is at 18h00.
Written by: Mandisa Maphisa
