Mpontshane focused on final

Rustenburg - Goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane has assured Platinum Stars that rumours about his departure will not distract him ahead of Saturday's Telkom Knockout final against SuperSport United.

Mpontshane has been linked with a move to Orlando Pirates during the January transfer window as the Soweto club search for a replacement for Senzo Meyiwa, who was shot dead a month ago in Vosloorus.

"Pirates have been in contact with my manager and asking about my contract situation. Any player would be happy to have something like that happen," Mpontshane said.

"For me right now though, my mind is on the final and making sure that we win the title."

Despite the team proving its credentials last season winning the knockout and top-eight double, Mpontshane felt the team was still not being given the recognition it deserved.

"It gives us motivation when people consider us a small team because we want to show people what we are capable of.

"We are under pressure to retain this title and, as players, we have been pushing each other to prove people wrong."

Against all odds, Stars managed to secure a consecutive final berth despite losing the core of the team which won the title last season, to other clubs.

On the road to the final, Stars had to overcome Premiership leaders Kaizer Chiefs, beating them 5-3 on penalties, and Mamelodi Sundowns (1-0).

The 28 year-old Mpontshane's exploits had not gone unnoticed as he recently received his first Bafana Bafana call-up.

"They told me people have been taking notice of the work that I have been doing and that pleases me a lot.

"It gives me an opportunity to learn from others and grow as a player. I feel I deserve to be in the national team."

In terms of team strength, there is not much that separates Dikwena and Matsatsantsa in the final showdown, he said.

"They are a team that are strong on the wings. They know we like to play with the ball at our feet, so it's an evenly matched encounter."

Mpontshane hailed the impact of new striker Eleazar Rogers, who has scored four goals in his last two matches.

"I think Rogers has assisted us a lot with his experience. Looking at the number of games he's played and the goals he's scored for us so far, it's incredible. He has been huge for us."