|
Tovey tackles former club
01/05/2008 14:19 - (SA)
Potchefstroom - Neil Tovey is determined to put his knowledge of his former club to good use for his new employers, AmaZulu.
Tovey, the former Bafana Bafana skipper who led South Africa to glory under national coach Clive Barker in the final of the African Nations Cup in 1996 on home soil has rejoined Barker, coach of Usuthu, as technical manager and together they are plotting the Brazilians' downfall when the two Premier Soccer League sides clash in the semi-finals of the Nedbank cup at Potchefstroom's Olen Park on Sunday. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Tovey, although he is too much a professional to say so, would love nothing more than putting one over Downs who sacked both him and co-coach Miguel Gamondi after they guided Downs to victory in the 2005/06 PSL championship.
They were replaced by Gordon Igesund who was sacked earlier this year in favour of his assistant Trott Moloto, who, like Barker, is also a former Bafana head coach.
Downs have regrouped under Moloto and badly need to win the Nedbank Cup to retrieve some pride from a disappointing season that has seen the Brazilians lose out in defending their PSL crown which Igesund won.
Said Tovey: "I do know a lot about Sundowns players and how they play. I rate the players and the team very highly. But with the knowledge I have on the club and the way they play I have formulated a plan to beat them. Hopefully that plan will come together on Saturday."
Although Tovey was understandably tight lipped on his battle plan, two new budding stars will play key roles. They are strikers Dumisani Ngwenya and Siyabonga Mhkwanazi who between them have netted over 12 goals in the competition so far.
Then Barker and Tovey have the magical midfield skills of the most experienced and oldest players in the PSL - John "Shoes" Moshoeu to call on.
Shoes, at the grand old age of 42, is likely to start on the bench. But he loves the big match atmosphere. He is a veteran of the Bafana champions of 1996. He also captained his country in a fantastic career. He has also played in countless cup winning sides for Kaizer Chiefs and in the twilight of his career would love to sign off by helping Usuthu to win the Nedbank Cup.
The cup has been targeted by AmaZulu as laying the foundation for bigger things next season.
The club, now free of internal squabbles and financial worries, are on the way back up under Barker and Tovey.
Said Tovey: "The potential both on the field and off with the huge support we can command is immense and success breeds success. We aim to start a new ear at the club by winning the Nedbank Cup."
Downs are the clear favourites but Moloto will be having none of that talk. His side warmed up with a stunning 2-0 win over PSL leaders Ajax Cape Town at the Super Stadium on Wednesday night and on their league form Downs look unstoppable
On Saturday Free State Stars could be given a rough time when they face First Division giant killers Mpumalanga Black Aces at Atteridgeville's Super Stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Aces have a number of former PSL stars in their ranks and Stars would be making a huge mistake if they underrated their lower league opponents.
Edelbert Dinha, the former Orlando Pirates star plays alongside former Bucs teammate Felix Musasa and Mandla Zwane for Aces, who are the first side from the lower leagues to reach the semi-finals of a major semi-final.
But Stars strike force of Jimmy Kauleza, Diyo Sibisi and Sthembiso are likely to carry too much ammunition for Aces. However, it promises to be closely fought cup showdown.
|
Rugby
