Orlando Pirates marksman Tshegofatso Mabasa has revealed a key message from head coach Jose Riveiro before the MTN8 final victory against Stellenbosch FC.
The Soweto giants made history as the first club to win the MTN8 title in three consecutive seasons when they overcame Stellies at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
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Lehlohonolo Mojela put the Winelands-based outfit on the front foot, before Saleng responded first to a rebound from a Deon Hotto free-kick to level matters in the first half.
The match looked destined for extra time, until a controversial call from match official Abongile Tom allowed Pirates to take a quick free-kick, and Mabasa slammed the ball past Sage Stephens in added time.
Mofokeng turned provider to goal scorer with a third in the last seconds of the match.
Speaking to media at the post-match press conference, Mabasa revealed a heartfelt message he had received from his coach.
"One thing I will say about coach Riveiro is that he is a very good human being," Mabasa said.
"He is like a father to each and every one of us, he believes in each and every one of us. Even after the game, he took me to the side and he spoke to me, he told me that: 'Look, I told you at the beginning of today that you will make a great impact in this game when the opportunity arises,' and that's exactly what happened.
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"It just goes to show the unity that we have within the group and the love the coach has for his players, and we are just very appreciative of the human being that he is and the work we continue to do with him. May we win many more trophies with him."
The Buccaneers return to action with a Carling Knockout fixture on the weekend of 18-20 October, with the launch of the cup competition taking place on Tuesday.