Tshepo Motsoeneng shares thoughts on ex-Sundowns winger at Motsepe Playoffs
Njampela FC head coach Tshepo Motsoeneng has shared his thoughts on a former Mamelodi Sundowns winger featuring at the ongoing ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs.
Motsoeneng, who’s making his sixth appearance at the SAFA‘s amateur league national playoffs, spoke on Thursday after his men’s 2-1 win over FN Rangers of the Western Cape in Group A to book a semi-final spot.
On Friday, the KwaZulu-Natal side will take on Highbury FC of the Eastern Cape in the second semi-finals of the playoffs, with the kick-off set for 15:00.
The two teams that will book their place in the final will be promoted to SA’s second-tier league – the Motsepe Foundation Championship for the next season.
Meanwhile, the final will take centre stage at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on Sunday, 23 June 2024. The showpiece will start at 15:00.
WHO’S THE FORMER MAMELODI SUNDOWNS WINGER?
The player is Giovanni Philander, who plays as a winger for Rangers. He featured for Sundows’ Reserves between 2017 and 2019.
Philander was magnificent when his side played its first game of the playoffs against Mpheni Defenders on Wednesday afternoon, winning 4-1.
The 24-year-old attacker has emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the wing during the playoffs.
His performances have been nothing short of impressive, showcasing his talent and undeniable impact on the field. He’s become a key figure for his team, driving them forward with tireless energy and skill.
TSHEPO MOTSOENENG’S IMPRESSION OF GIOVANNI PHILANDER
Motsoeneng, who is a former PSL goalkeeper acknowledged Philander’s skill and his ability to cause problems for opponents.
The coach highlighted Philander’s experience in competitive matches at lower levels as a key factor in his development. “The boy is good,” said Motsoeneng. “At some point, I knew he was with Ajax of Cape Town.
“Maybe troubles [off the field derailed his progress]; I really don’t know what happened. But I know him; I have been watching him. I know how he plays. He can shoot from far away and kick with both legs.
“What he did on Wednesday was marvellous [his outstanding performance against Mpheni Defenders]. But the game plan was that we knew how to manage him, especially wing players that can give us problems like him.”
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