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Sibusiso Zuma (Gallo)
Johannesburg - Sibusiso Zuma may not possess the pace he boasted ten years ago, but the forward is as determined as ever to fight for the pride of his jersey.
The former Bafana Bafana star was instrumental in Vasco da Gama's 3-2 win over Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday night - a result that could help the PSL new-boys secure their position in the top flight.
He scored one goal and had a hand in the other two as Amakhosi were shocked at FNB Stadium.
The 35-year-old did not only inspire his own team-mates, he caught the attention of Chiefs boss Vladimir Vermezovic, who said: "Congratulations to the guys from Vasco da Gama, and especially Zuma who showed our guys today how one guy must fight for his jersey."
Vasco boss Carlos das Neves, who was ridiculed for his decision to take a chance on Zuma in the transfer window, also saluted his veteran asset: "Zuma at 35 years of age has been a revelation.
"He is an inspiration to the younger players and tonight we saw he has lost none of his skills. He was simply brilliant out there, as he has been for us all season."
On the match itself, das Neves added: "The players have been simply magnificent. We have been playing well against the big teams this season but with no luck until tonight when it all came together for us.
"We worked hard and deserved to beat Chiefs."
The coach knows the result will go a long way in determining whether Vasco remains in the PSL next season. However, he is also aware that the clubs below him have the financial clout to bolster in the upcoming sales phase.
"The reality is that we do not have a sponsor to buy new players in the January transfer window and we know how difficult a battle it will be to stay in the PSL," das Neves said.
"This win could be invaluable, not just for the three points but the way it has boosted the players' morale and built up confidence ahead of a tough relegation fight ahead. We must build on this performance.
"What worries me is that there are bigger clubs fighting in the relegation zone who I believe will be buying players and strengthening their squads.
"I am under no illusion as to the task ahead, but we have done well so far.
"The spirit from the players has been fantastic this season and we are going to fight all the way.
"We have shown we deserve to be in the PSL and we aim to stay here," concluded the Vasco boss.
The former Bafana Bafana star was instrumental in Vasco da Gama's 3-2 win over Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday night - a result that could help the PSL new-boys secure their position in the top flight.
He scored one goal and had a hand in the other two as Amakhosi were shocked at FNB Stadium.
The 35-year-old did not only inspire his own team-mates, he caught the attention of Chiefs boss Vladimir Vermezovic, who said: "Congratulations to the guys from Vasco da Gama, and especially Zuma who showed our guys today how one guy must fight for his jersey."
Vasco boss Carlos das Neves, who was ridiculed for his decision to take a chance on Zuma in the transfer window, also saluted his veteran asset: "Zuma at 35 years of age has been a revelation.
"He is an inspiration to the younger players and tonight we saw he has lost none of his skills. He was simply brilliant out there, as he has been for us all season."
On the match itself, das Neves added: "The players have been simply magnificent. We have been playing well against the big teams this season but with no luck until tonight when it all came together for us.
"We worked hard and deserved to beat Chiefs."
The coach knows the result will go a long way in determining whether Vasco remains in the PSL next season. However, he is also aware that the clubs below him have the financial clout to bolster in the upcoming sales phase.
"The reality is that we do not have a sponsor to buy new players in the January transfer window and we know how difficult a battle it will be to stay in the PSL," das Neves said.
"This win could be invaluable, not just for the three points but the way it has boosted the players' morale and built up confidence ahead of a tough relegation fight ahead. We must build on this performance.
"What worries me is that there are bigger clubs fighting in the relegation zone who I believe will be buying players and strengthening their squads.
"I am under no illusion as to the task ahead, but we have done well so far.
"The spirit from the players has been fantastic this season and we are going to fight all the way.
"We have shown we deserve to be in the PSL and we aim to stay here," concluded the Vasco boss.
Channel 202
