Igesund redeems himself

Johannesburg - It has taken Gordon Igesund only three months to complete his redemption-mission after steering SuperSport United to Telkom Knockout triumph.

United clinched the Cup championship in a captivating final after beating Platinum Stars 3-2 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Having been ridiculed during his time as Bafana Bafana coach, the 57-year-old found refuge at Matsatsantsa after his contract was discontinued.

Igesund has credited the team for their hard work and praised management for providing him with a group of quality players.

New lease

"The players have been brilliant since I took over at the club. They have bought into what myself and my assistant coach Serame Letsoaka have been trying to do," Igesund said.

Having come from a desolate state, United gave Igesund a new lease on life and gave the tactician a chance to prove the naysayers wrong.

During his tumultuous time with the national team, Igesund was the subject of a misconduct investigation for attempting to influence players over bonuses during the championship of African Nations, but was cleared of any wrongdoing.

At United, Igesund rediscovered his Midas touch and reminded the country why he was the only coach in history to lift the Premiership with four different clubs.

Abundance

Igesund said the return to club football had re-invigorated him as daily interaction with players was what made him thrive.

"When I came in I wanted to make a few changes. I came to United and found an abundance of players who like to go forward.

"The most important thing is to credit the players for responding so quickly to me. They have been able to go out there and execute out on the field of play since the first match."

Having won the Premiership with Santos, Manning Rangers, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, Igesund believes that his current team has the potential to grab more success.

"These are top-class players I've got in the team and it's going to need time but I don't see why this team can't go on to achieve more championships."

It was a thrilling final that ensued in Soweto that saw plenty goalmouth action throughout the two hours after scores were level at 1-1 after the regulated 90 minutes.

Penalties

An extra-time wonder-goal from Thuso Phala handed United the crown after two penalties from Clayton Daniels, while Robert Ng'ambi and Mogakolodi Ngele found the back of the net for Stars.

Igesund praised Dikwena for their attacking style of play displayed in the final.

"I thought it was a wonderful game of football. Both teams wanted to attack and Stars played the way they wanted to. At some point it was end-to-end stuff.

"I am obviously very proud of my team. My players responded well after we went down after the first goal."