Marumo Gallants head coach Dan Malesela has lauded goalkeeper King Ndlovu for stepping up to net the winning penalty that dumped Orlando Pirates out of the Nedbank Cup.
The 2017 Nedbank Cup-winning coach lead the defending champions to a 5-4 win in the shootout after the game finished 1-1 after extra time.
Ndlovu proved to be the hero as he slotted home the winner while also saving one, while Olisa Ndah and Terrence Dzvukamanja missed their respective penalties.
Malesela admitted Pirates had a few more chances than them in the game but was unconcerned about the manner in which they progressed as he looks towards another historic run in the competition.
“It could have gone either way during the 90, we try to play a little bit in extra-time but to be honest they had more chances than we did, well half-chances,” Malesela said.
“But in the end, we managed to win the match, albeit, via penalties, it doesn’t matter when you win you win. We would have liked to win it in the 90 and not go to extra time but we appreciate the effort the boys have put in.
“It was not easy and we hope that it continues, the character that the boys showed was huge, also appreciate what the goalkeeper did, the bravery to say hey guys I don’t want you to miss [penalties] anymore. Let me score to redeem my saves, that’s good you know.
“We’re happy to be in the quarter-finals, three more rounds to go, let’s see…”
