Maluti FET College coach Morena 'King' Ramoreboli says their preparation was key in taking down Orlando Pirates in Nedbank Cup last-32 round match.
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Maluti whipped Pirates 4-1 at the Charles Mopeli Stadium which shocked the soccer fraternity as this unknown quantity who play in the third tier of South African football were not expected to beat the Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions, never mind obliterate them.
King, as Ramoreboli is known, did not boast about his side's victory to Football411.com, instead he spoke about the preparation that went in to defeating the Soweto powerhouse.
"We know Pirates; some of our players are fans of the team so we know them. But ahead of this clash we prepared very well, we watched videos, we talked about it so tactically we knew what to expect," Ramoreboli, who has a SAFA B-Licence and CAF B-Licence, said.
"They use a 4-5-1 system and we know their approach to getting goals, but my players were prepared for that. And when they switched to a 4-4-2 I knew we had the upper hand and then had to change our approach. Again, we were prepared for that too.
"We were not in awe of them even though they are such a big team; we approached the game with the intention of testing ourselves and of course to win. We are very happy that it all worked out.
King then admitted he was a Pirates supporter until he became a full-time coach just over a decade ago.
"I was a Pirates supporter growing up, but when I became a coach I made a decision to only support the team that I work for. I mean, how can I support Pirates and still be a coach for another team," said the former African Wanderers gaffer.
"I support only my team and will not question them based on what I see or feel for Pirates, that would just be wrong. So I am behind my team 100%.
Usually coaches of small teams get carried away with the glory of beating a big side but not King, he let slip that he wants to face Free State Stars at home to test himself against Steve Komphela, a coach he admires.
"I am ready for any side; we are ready for any side. I'm not going to say I want this team or that team, the 33-year old said.
"I cannot control the draw so my only wish is to play at home. My players will do much better at home where they have support. I have no problem travelling but all I want is to play here," he said with reference to the Charles Mopeli Stadium where they play their SAFA Second Division games.
"This afternoon I am going to watch Stars because they are our neighbours and also because Steve is a good coach and someone I want to emulate. It's in the area where I live so it makes sense to watch the game live.
"I wouldn't mind facing them in the next round," he said excitedly, "It would be a dream for me to come up against Steve but again, I don't have control of the draw."
By Shahied Joseph
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