Coach also has high praise for new acquisition, defender Samba O’Neil

Sekhukhune United coach Papi Zothwane says the Carling Knockout is an achievable goal for Babina Noko after thumping Richards Bay 3-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday to reach the tournament’s last eight.

“We want to progress further but it will take the hard work, discipline and willingness from our players. As a team, as a group, we have set our targets. In this cup, you play three games and you are in the final — and you can even win it,” Zothwane said.

“This is a target that we’ve set as a group and it’s possible. It’s achievable.”

Samba is a mature player, a quality player and a team player

—  Papi Zothwane, Sekhukhune United coach

Zothwane could not contain his satisfaction with new defender Samba O’Neil, who joined the club from Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko three months ago. He said he has not seen a defender of the same calibre as the 26-year-old Niger international in a long time.

“Samba is a mature player, a quality player and a team player. It’s very difficult to adjust from another country and start games — and adjust quickly in knowing names, the teammates, the atmosphere in the team, the culture,” he said of O’Neil, who’s featured in four games across all competitions since his arrival in SA.

“I think he’s adjusted very well. He’s one quality player ... a defender that can play with both legs, can anticipate, jump and in the set-pieces give you something. It’s very rare to find in the modern game.

“He has added a good defensive structure and good leadership in our team, and he’s a player that any team would want to have.”