Salmon draws curtain on career

Johannesburg - Glen Salmon hopes to end his 14-year playing career with a Nedbank Cup winner's medal in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The 34-year-old SuperSport United player said on Thursday the cup final would be his swansong before possibly moving into a coaching role within the club's structures.

"I'm contemplating retiring in the next weeks and moving on to coaching while I'm still younger," Salmon said.

"I'm still in discussions with the club, but I'm aiming to end my career with a win this weekend."

The former striker, who has three Bafana Bafana caps, has been converted to a defender this season.

Ironically, the last time United won the cup competition, in 1999, Salmon and current assistant coach Tommy Madigage scored the goals in the final against Kaizer Chiefs.

It was his last game before moving to Dutch outfit Eredivisie and then on to NAC Breda. He rejoined the Tshwane side four years ago.

"We won the trophy when I left the club for Europe all those years ago, and now it could be my last game here," Salmon said.

"I just have this feeling that it's going to be our time again."

Salmon cited lack of game time and competition from the younger guys in the squad as motivation for his decision to hang up his boots.

"Having to sit on the bench has had an influence on my decision to quit now," Salmon said.

"But we also have good youngsters that are knocking on the door and looking for a chance in the team."

Salmon said his underdog team-mates stood a good chance of ending the season with a trophy.

Amatsatsantsa a Pitori beat Sundowns, the 2008 Cup champions, in a league contest two weeks ago.

"They (Sundowns) are the best football-playing team in the country, with good players," he said.

"But we have a chance and can match them with our style of play and commitment.

"I still think it will turn out to be a good win for us."

The match offers a chance for United coach Gavin Hunt to claim a first knockout medal with the side, adding to three successive Premiership crowns between 2008 and 2010.

"This title is everything," Hunt said.

"It's time to put some silverware in the cabinet and get some more money to the team.

"There's a lot at stake and pride too, since we are playing our neighbours.

"We just have to do the right things on the field and leave it to the soccer gods to do the rest."