Soccer
Komphela a 'great motivator'
2012-03-12 10:23
Free State Stars defender Rudiger Gilbert says it is an honour to
play under coach Steve Komphela following their Nedbank Cup victory over
Sivutsa Stars at the weekend.
Ea Lla Koto romped to a 4-1 victory over the National First
Division side in Saturday's last-32 encounter, and Gilbert has heaped
praise on the coach for inspiring the team on the field.
"Steve (Komphela) is a great motivator to us all and he tells us
to respect our opponents and play every game at our level best," he told
the PSL's official website.
"National First Division teams are never easy to play, because
they mark space very well and we overcame that challenge and credit goes
also to my team-mates as this victory was simply a great team effort.
"We need to build from this victory, reason being is because our
coach has great plans for us and we, as players, need to implement his
plan."
Gilbert put in a full-blooded display at the weekend to scoop the
Man of the Match award, and the fullback was understandably thrilled
by the honour.
"I am delighted to have won the man of the match award, as this
boosts my confidence going towards our next game against Moroka Swallows
on Wednesday and from a personal prospective it is a great achievement
for me," he added.
"I pay tribute to my team-mates, because if it wasn't for them I
wouldn't have won (the Man of the Match) award and I am happy that we
have gone through to the next round.
The result puts Stars through to the last-16, and Gilbert
believes that, if they stick to their game plan, they could emerge as
surprise victors at the end.
"There is only one cup left and if we work together we will be
serious contenders, but for now we will hold our heads up high and see
this victory as a motivation going into our next games to come.
"We must go back to the training ground and work more on our
weaknesses so that we can improve and become a better team as a whole."