Ashraf Hendricks, the co-coach of MM Platinum says that these things only happen in movies when thinking about the pulsating last-minute goal by the veteran Tshidiso Tukane.
A goal that will forever change their lives, the lives of the Westbury community and everyone involved in taking the club to this prestigious level.
“Obviously it’s been a hard season, it’s been a difficult nine months and I think people only see the end product,” says the former Moroka Swallows defender.
“I think where we started as a technical team, it’s been amazing. With everyone around us like Coach Delano, Coach Byron, Coach Bo, the ladies that always help us, the physios and the backroom staff.
“It’s not a one-man show, it’s a collective effort and that’s what is amazing about this team. It doesn’t matter how it happens or what happens, it’s absolutely amazing. From the Chairman to help us through, I don’t think we can ask for more as players, as a technical team that we have the support always.
“The supporters have been amazing, it’s a big achievement for the community especially, it’s opened doors for many of the youngsters coming through, that’s what it’s about. It builds a stepping stone for the next generation as well, and that’s important for us to understand. We are not just for ourselves, we are here to help wherever we can. Not just as an individual, but as a community.
The MTN 8 Cup winner with the Dube Birds, expressed his admiration for the players and singled out the match-winner on the day. Going into the final on Sunday, they will stick to their brand of football and the players would want to win.
“For the players, young and old it’s been amazing, it doesn’t matter who we put on, who plays, we still play the same football,” he continued.
“That’s what we are about, we don’t change the brand, we don’t change who we are, we just change the tempo. We tried today to first win the game in the first 90 minutes, and in the first half to be honest. Second half we tried to put as much pressure as possible. Then obviously the wonder strike from Mr Tukane, what a player. A 36-year-old guy to come through like that is amazing, it’s his moment.
“These things you only literally see in the movies. I don’t think we could’ve written a better script, I truly feel thankful for the Man above, we can’t complain and we are truly blessed for the opportunity to be promoted to the Glad Africa Championship.
“The supporters were amazing from Joburg and down in Cape Town and ended off exactly the way it should end off. Going into Sunday’s game, I have got no doubt that with the Players that we’ve got, they’ll want to win. They’re gonna play to win, we wanna prove that we are the best in the ABC. I’m sure we’re gonna go out there, and give a display of the football we want to play.”
La Masia will now face Magesi for the ABC Motsepe League title on Sunday, with both finalists already promoted to the second-tier of South African football.
Story by: Joshua Hendricks
