Excitement ahead of Saturday’s DStv Compact Cup is at an all-time high, following an official media briefing update held on Thursday, 20 January at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
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The official press conference, which was attended by all four head coaches was also the unveiling of the four team captains who will lead their respective teams in the tournament dubbed as “The Viewer’s Choice” for its unique ability of placing fans at the forefront of squad and starting line-up selection.
Dinaledi will be led on the field by Sekhukhune United defender, Sello Motsepe as they face Coastal United in the first semifinal at 15h00, who will be captained by Cape Town City’s Thabo Nodada.
Orlando Pirates skipper, Happy Jele has been tasked with leading Warriors as captain when they take on Amabutho, who will be marshalled by AmaZulu FC midfielder, Makhehleni Makhaula in the 18h00 kick-off.
Sharing their thoughts on DStv’s innovative approach to fan engagement, the coaches and captains lauded DStv for an exciting competition that has brought both them closer to the fans like never before.
“This is a really good initiative by the sponsors (DStv), more especially if you consider the fact that fans have not been in the stadium for a very long time due to the pandemic. This has allowed them to be a part of the team and more importantly, have a say and influence on the game” said Warriors coach, Dylan Kerr.
Speaking on behalf of the captains, Coastal United’s Thabo Nodada said the players do not take this competition lightly as their presence in the teams is a result of fans taking the effort and time to vote for them.
“It is important for us to give the fans the respect that they deserve and this can only be through displaying good performances. All the players that have been selected are here because fans made the effort of voting. This simply means that each and every player that is here cannot afford to take this competition lightly”, said Nodada.
“It is also quite encouraging that all the players are present in camp are indeed raring to go on Saturday” he added.
Fans are also reminded that their engagement with their teams continues on match day. From the safety and comfort of their homes, football lovers can be a part of the game and continue influencing its outcome through tactical substitutions that can be made by simply dialling *120*830# and further increase their chances of winning R1 Million should they be a DStv Compact subscriber.
DStv Compact Cup Fixtures | Saturday, 22 January
Coastal United v Dinaledi – 15h00
Warriors v Amabutho – 18h00