SIFISO Myeni is hoping to use his vast experience to help his new club Bidvest Wits win the MTN8 final.
Myeni has “lost count” of the number of cup finals he played in for Orlando Pirates and Wits, but hopes to replicate the success he tasted as skipper of the Clever Boys in 2010 when they lifted the Nedbank Cup.
Myeni is vying for a starting place in head coach Gavin Hunt’s squad when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium (5pm).
He left the Clever Boys in 2012 and had a lot of success at Pirates, helping them win the treble in 2012. He also played in Bucs’ successful 2013 and 2015 Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup campaigns.
Bucs reached the finals of both competitions but lost on both occasions.
Said Myeni, who rejoined the Students at the start of the season: “There is more quality at Wits now.
“When we won the Nedbank Cup we had two or three match-winners, now we have a squad of top players with youngsters and experienced guys who are all gelling. The only people left from when I was here last time are the cooks. The rest are gone.”
He said his best memory of 2010 was opening the new FNB Stadium ahead of the World Cup finals. Wits beat AmaZulu 3-0 in the Nedbank Cup final.
“A lot of people never gave us a chance in 2010. We won and I was the first to play at FNB Stadium. That’s something I will always treasure.”
Myeni, one of Mzansi’s most gifted midfielders, said teamwork was important at Wits: “In a final it’s the team that wants it more and works harder. We must go out and make sure we do the job.”
- Meanwhile, fellow-midfielder Xola Mlambo is excited about being involved in his first cup final. He is one of the newcomers Hunt hopes will bring them more success.
Said the former Chippa United star: “It’s a real honour getting to a cup final. Many players spend their whole careers in the PSL and never get this chance.”
He admits Downs, who are also in the Caf Champions League final, are favourites: “We have to up our game to beat them. Although we are underdogs anything is possible. We know we will have to work twice as hard.”
