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Football | MTN8

Rowen Fernandez © Backpagepix

United playing well together - Rowen



SuperSport United goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez believes a strong defensive effort will allow the Pretoria side to challenge for the MTN8 trophy when they meet Moroka Swallows at Orlando Stadium in the final on Saturday.

"We are working well together. We've got a good couple of players at the back," Fernandez said on Wednesday.

"Everyone is really lifting their game and playing out of their skins.

"We are all working hard for the common goal and we know if we don't concede, we are not going to lose."

United emphatically beat Orlando Pirates 3-0 at the same venue earlier this month to book their spot in the final against a Swallows side looking to kick start their league campaign with a cup victory.

"Swallows just can't stop scoring," the former Bafana Bafana shot-stopper said.

"They have some good players going forward with (Lerato) Chabangu, (David) Mathebula and (Lefa) Tsutsulupa, and now (Siyabonga) Nomvethe is back in the mix as well.

"(Swallows coach) Zeca Marques will have them motivated on Saturday ahead of the game, but we'll just see how it goes on the weekend."

United gained momentum ahead of this weekend's clash, after a 3-0 win over AmaZulu in a league encounter on Saturday boosted their hopes following a disappointing start to the Premiership.

Fernandez believed they were looking in good shape and had discipline and composure within the squad.

"Regardless if Swallows or SuperSport win, it should be a good spectacle for football," he said.

"We are fortunate that we are in a position to play a number of different systems.

"Whether we play with (Sibusiso) Zuma or with Mabhudi Khenyeza upfront, the coach is spoilt for choice to a certain extent in that he can choose a lot of options, and I think for us that's good."

Meanwhile, veteran striker Zuma said United were happy with their progress and hoped to hit their straps across all competitions.

"There's that spirit in the team and we know we can win cups," Zuma said.

"So we are going into this one and we want to win it.

"We are going to go there, give everything we have and hope that we are going to come back with the cup.

"I just think it's going to be a great game. Swallows want this so badly and we do as well.

"I'm hoping that the fans are going to come through and fill out the stadium."

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