Bloemfontein - Bloemfontein Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb has hailed his team-mates for their tremendous performance against Kaizer Chiefs.
Against all odds, Phunya Sele Sele held the defending Cup champions to a 1-1 draw in their MTN8 semi-final first leg fixture at the Free State Stadium on Sunday.
Helder Pelembe broke the deadlock at the stroke of half-time for Celtic before the Phefeni Glamour Boys levelled matters after the interval thanks to a well taken strike by Bernard Parker.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper revealed his delights after his heroics won him the Man of the Match accolade, taking home R8 000 courtesy of MTN.
“Yes, I’m very happy with my performance and also the team performance as a whole,” said Tignyemb.
“We all know that Kaizer Chiefs is a very good team and you must be hundred percent prepared for them when you play.
“So we managed to score one against them at least but unfortunately they did so too and that could be vital for them.
Tignyemb hinted that, despite conceding a ‘threatening’ away goal on the day, Celtic will keep their focus on the second leg as they aim to cause an upset over the holders and book a place in the final of the R8m competition.
“I’m disappointed that we have conceded a goal but it was a great goal from Parker, I even went to him and congratulate him after the match.
“It happens in football but now we’ll just keep our focus on the next away game and I’m sure that we’ll do better in Johannesburg.”
Celtic will switch their focus for this weekend to their next home ABSA Premiership fixture against Platinum Stars on Sunday, August 23.
Kick-off is at 15:00.