Some Orlando Pirates fans have dedicated the MTN8 trophy to underfire goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Th supporters were reacting to Mpontshane’s celebratory post on his Facebook page where he simply wrote: “champion.”
It was the first time in a week that Mpontshane had gone on his Facebook page to post a comment since conceding cheaply the previous week in the Soweto derby.
FANS REACTIONS
In reaction, Mogomotsi Simon Molokoane dedicated the cup to the clean-shaven shot-stopper.
“This is for you. Sorry for last week Siya. We love you still,” he said.
Lwandiso Bongani Mjekula said it was unfortunate the late error cost the keeper his place in the starting XI.
“Congratulations. It is sad that one mistake cost you a place in the starting 11 but I know that you will bounce back and continue keeping clean sheets!,” Mjekula said.
Mkuseli Rayi offered the keeper more encouraging words, urging him to stay strong.
“Mponshi, I am proud of you guys. Last week I was watching Bucs’ camp documentary,” he said.
“May you and your family heal. You did well against Chiefs, saved us from two 1v1s what happened afterwards was beyond you. Don’t be hard on yourself,” he said.
The shot-stopper fell from grace after he conceded due to bad positioning in the DStv Premiership match against Kaizer Chiefs.
The Soweto rivals walked away with a 1-0 win in a game that seemed heading for a goalless draw largely to Mpontshane’s excellent saves.
NO REWARD FOR MPONTSHANE’S HARDWORK
However, all that hard-work was undone by Yusuf Maart’s long range dipping shot which caught the Pirates keeper way off his line.
Mpontshane desperately tried to retreat to save the ball but it was rather too little and too late.
That howler cost Mpontshane a starting berth in the MTN8 final against AmaZulu on Saturday.
Coach Jose Riveiro opted to start with Ghanaian Richard Ofori between the sticks.
Ofori kept a clean sheet to help Pirates secure the trophy.
