Plat star 'dumbfounded'

Benson Mhlongo, a player who has arguably seen it all in his career, said yesterday that he is "overwhelmed" by Platinum Stars' showing this season.

Following the Nedbank Cup semifinal draw, which sees Stars being pitted against holders Supersport United next month, Mhlongo said the work behind the scenes at Stars is finally paying off.

In the other semifinal, Kaizer Chiefs will take on National First Division side United FC.

Stars could still win a rare league and cup double this season. They are in the semifinals after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 at the weekend and are seven points behind Kaizer Chiefs in the Absa Premiership with a game in hand.

This has Mhlongo - who would not be new to winning silverware, having helped Sundowns and Pirates win league titles in the past - dumbfounded.

"I am happy for the experienced players at the club - Solomon Mathe, Henrico Botes, captain Vuyo Mere and Thuso Phala. Our hard work in the past two years is finally paying off," Mhlongo said.

"Personally, I am overwhelmed and I think these older guys have been doing their job, passing on experience to the young players."

Stars coach Cavin Johnson described his squad as "phenomenal" following the win against Sundowns at Loftus, and Mhlongo rubber-stamped that yesterday.

"That is what you get when you play with players that do not have any fear," he said.

"It is such a wonderful feeling. We are confident now because we have been allowed to make mistakes and learn."

Last season Mhlongo hit back at his team-mates for lacking fighting spirit while they were struggling to move out of the relegation zone. That has all changed now.

"What more can you ask of your players when they are trying hard and doing their best? So in that sense, they are phenomenal," Mhlongo said.

He said he had no doubts Stars can be league and cup double champions this season, but stressed that Dikwena had already punched above their weight.

"From fighting in the relegation zone last year to being in the top two, I think we have reached our objectives for the season," he said. "We are not there yet, but at this stage what is important is for us to enjoy what is left of the season."

Despite having already lost two of their key players, coincidentally to United for the new season, Mhlongo hopes the wheels do not come off for his side in the final weeks of the campaign.

Thuso Phala and Enocent Mkhabela have signed pre-contracts with the Pretoria-based side. But it is not all bad as Botes, Robert N'gambi and Mere have signed new deals to keep them in Phokeng.

"I wish Thuso the best wherever he goes in his career because for me he has always been one of the best wingers in the country. He just needed confidence, which he got this season," Mhlongo said.