Cup final-bound Moloisane still pinching himself

Stellenbosch defender Thabo Moloisane says he is still pinching himself at the turnaround in his career from relegation with Maritzburg United last season to a place in the Carling Knockout final at the weekend

The 24-year-old has been a consistent at centre back for the Winelands club since arriving at the start of the campaign from Maritzburg where he was part of the side relegated from the DStv Premiership at the end of the last season.

“A lot can change in football in a space of months,” said Moloisane, who got his first career goal against TS Galaxy when Stellenbosch won 3-0 at home in the league in October.

“I'll always be grateful for the opportunity being given to me to be brought here. You know, I do pinch myself a lot. After the semifinal, going back to the hotel, I was in tears by myself. And I was just thinking of how everything has changed just from six months ago to where I am now. Just grateful to God, honestly.”

Moloisane has played in all three of Stellenbosch’s matches on the road to Saturday’s final against Galaxy at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“It's been a pretty tough journey. Can you imagine having to play your games away, from the start to finish of the tournament. But it shows that we have a team that is very committed, a team that is willing to fight for anything that is put in front of us. And I'm just happy that we were able to make history for the team and we're proud to be part of the group that's doing this for the club,” he added.

Stellenbosch have overcome Chippa United, Polokwane City and Richards Bay away from home to book their place in a first-ever final for the club.

“When I arrived at the club I felt that this was a team with a lot of youngsters that people were going to be talking about. I'm glad that what I said is actually happening because I just felt the aura around the room and felt that this is the time for the team to shine. It’s a lot of youngsters that are just working hard, that listen to one another, that just want to do good and just want to make their dreams come true, honestly.”

Moloisane says in their pre-season discussions, the players set two major goals for the season.

“The first on the ‘to do list’ was to reach a cup final. And this is happening now. The second one was to qualify for one of the African club competitions next season. So if we are to achieve all those, all of the plans that we made in the pre-season means it will be a successful season for us,” added Moloisane.