Warriors goalkeeper Energy “Gokwe” Murambadoro is the odds on favourite to win the Telkom Knockout Cup Goalkeeper of the Tournament award if his Bidvest Wits team prevails over giants Orlando Pirates in tonight’s sold-out final at the Moses Mabhida stadium.
The big former Caps United goalkeeper is competing for the award against Bafana Bafana and Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb “Slim Cat” Josephs and Moroka Swallows’ Greg Etafia.
The winner, who will be announced on Tuesday next week, will walk away with a cool R100 000.
Murambadoro looks the hot favourite to pocket the money after an impressive run in the competition where he is yet to concede a goal in five matches.
The 29-year-old goalie, who had temporarily retired from international football two years ago before having a swift change of heart, has managed to kepp a clean sheet against Ramson Zhuwawo’s AmaZulu (first round), Mathew Rusike’s Jomo Cosmos (second round) and Santos in the semi-final of Africa’s richest club competition whose total prize money is R14 200 000.
Gokwe’s main competitor for the award, Josephs, has been beaten thrice at goal in the competition so far. Slim Cat conceded in Pirates’ 2-1 win over Black Leopards (first round), 2-1 win at Oscar Machapa’s Moroka Swallows before conceding another one in his team’s 3-1 semi—final win over Golden Arrows.
Murambadoro’s team will come into the match with a psychological advantage over Pirates after defeating the same opposition 3-1 in a league clash three weeks ago.
Besides seeking revenge on Wits, Pirates will be looking to shake off the ghost that has continued to haunt them in this competition. The Soweto giants have reached the finals three times, but all attempts ended in defeats.
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Goalkeeper of the Tournament (R100 000): Energy Murambadoro (Bidvest Wits), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows). Defender of the Tournament (R100 000): Siyabonga Sangweni, Lucky Lekgwathi (Orlando Pirates), Derrick Spencer, Patrick Phungwayo (Bidvest Wits). Midfielder of the Tournament (R100 000): Oupa Manyisa, Isaac Chansa (Orlando Pirates), Sifiso Myeni, Asive Langwe, Sibusiso Vilakazi (Bidvest Wits).
The Top Goalscorer of the Tournament must score at least five goals to pocket the R150 000 cheque and the player who scores a hat-trick in the final will take home R100 000.
The Player of the Tournament will be rewarded with a R200 000 cheque.
