Lehlohonolo Majoro, a former striker for both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, recently opened up about why he had expected Cape Town City to be the ones playing in the MTN8 final, not Stellenbosch FC.
Majoro’s thoughts offer an interesting perspective, considering how things actually played out.
Stellenbosch’s Unexpected Triumph Over Mamelodi Sundowns
In an impressive performance, Stellenbosch FC managed to knock Mamelodi Sundowns out of the competition, earning their place in the final.
This marks their second cup final in just 12 months, a significant achievement for the club.
They will now face Orlando Pirates at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium this coming Saturday, with the match kicking off at 6 pm.
Cape Town City’s Strong Transfer Window Raised Expectations
Majoro explained that his initial prediction was heavily influenced by the signings Cape Town City made during the transfer window.
He believed the club had positioned itself for success this season by bringing in players with experience and quality.
“The team that I was looking at was Cape Town City, mainly because of the experienced players they brought in,” said Majoro.
He pointed to John Comitis, the club’s owner, noting that Comitis usually makes strategic moves but went all out this time by acquiring battle-tested players.
Majoro’s Reflection on Stellenbosch’s Long-Term Plan
Although he initially leaned towards Cape Town City, Majoro eventually came to appreciate Stellenbosch’s progress after doing more research on the club’s long-term strategy.
He realized that Stellies have been following a five-year plan to build their squad and sell players, aiming to win a trophy along the way.
“Fast forward to now, they’ve already won one trophy and exceeded their player sales goals,” Majoro remarked.
Developmental Success at Stellenbosch
One of the key elements of Stellenbosch’s success, according to Majoro, is their development of young talent through their Diski Challenge (DDC) team.
He praised the strong relationship between the DDC coach and the first team coach, which has allowed the club to replace sold players seamlessly with young talent.
“They bring in these young players, and they fit like a glove,” Majoro noted, highlighting how other teams could learn from Stellenbosch’s approach.
What’s Next for Stellenbosch FC?
With another final ahead of them, Stellenbosch FC’s continued success has certainly surprised many, including Majoro.
The club’s ability to combine long-term planning with smart player development has been key to their rise.
Now, all eyes will be on their showdown with Orlando Pirates as they aim to secure yet another piece of silverware.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn