Cape Town - SuperSport
United captain Dean Furman has praised the impact of Thuso Phala after
Matsatsantsa progressed to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup
for the first time.
Phala scored two goals as Eric Tinkler's men came from behind to seal a 2-2 draw, which sent the Pretoria side through on away goals.
And, Furman has hailed the midfielder as they prepare to face Tunisian side Club Africain.
"He is huge for us, there is no doubt," the SuperSport United skipper was quoted by The Citizen.
"He is scoring and he is making assists with the constant threat that he poses with his pace and his delivery. We know that when he is on form, we've got a good chance to beat anyone," Furman said.
"We know that he is a great finisher."
While praising the midfielder for his impact, Furman also mentioned that their victory on away goals was also dependent on the perfomances of others on the park.
"I know he grabbed all the headlines but there were some other outstanding performances on the day. Ronwen Williams was terrific in goal. Aubrey Modiba put in a good shift. Teboho Mokoena as well and there were great performances all round," said the former Chelsea trainee.
"We are delighted to be in the semi-finals after difficult circumstances. It is an incredible feeling and that's all due to our never die attitude. We kept pushing and believing," he added.
The first leg of their semi-finals will be this coming Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, and the second leg in Tunisia coming 20 days later on 20 October.