Telkom KO a close call

Cavin Johnson reckons the Telkom Knockout final between his former clubs Supersport United and Platinum Stars will be a closely contested, high-scoring game that might even have to be decided after regulation time.

Supersport and defending champions Stars clash at Orlando Stadium tomorrow at 3pm.

Said Johnson: "These are not two of the biggest teams in the country, but sometimes underdogs have to come to the party and get exposed to such games.

"They have shown good quality and they deserve to be in the final.

"I am predicting a high-scoring game like 2-2 or even 3-3 and then it would have to be decided in extra time. I don't want to put my head on the block and say who will win.

"I just think this is a chance for both teams to entertain the public with quality football and maybe more people will relate to their brand of football. Both teams are strong on the wings, which makes for an interesting game."

Johnson knows the coaches of both teams well, having worked with Supersport's Gordon Igesund and Allan Freese of Stars.

"Allan won two cups last season but does not have last season's team. He lost Benson [Mhlongo], [Lindokuhle] Mbatha, Issa Sarr and Henrico Botes. He lost the spine. But he still has Vuyo [Mere], [Siyabonga] Mpontshane, [Thabiso] Semenya, and Tshepo Gumede. He's got a good team," Johnson said.

"Gordon has been out of the picture for three years, but he has a history of winning trophies as far as the league is concerned. He has not won many knockout competitions, but he has experience."

Both clubs boast players with attacking flair. Johnson picked two players from each side who could prove to be match winners.

"Stars have Robert Ng'ambi. He's not a flamboyant player like Teko Modise, but he is a silent killer. He gets into the box and scores goals.

"They also have Eleazar Rodgers, who is doing well. I think he will want to silence his critics. He will be on a high after scoring a hat-trick in the last game.

"Supersport have Dove Wome. He's always looking to be around the penalty area and he is not afraid to take shots. He can get you goals.

"There's also David Mathebula, who can control the game for you. If he is on song, then the team will play. His passing and movement off the ball is great."