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Komphela a 'great motivator'

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."

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