Johnny Ferreira. Photo: Gallo Images
Johnny Ferreira enjoyed ‘legend’ status in Middelburg after becoming the first coach to qualify a team from the home of stainless steel for the Last 32 of the Nedbank Cup.
The former Gomora United and Witbank Aces tactician is currently at the helm of Middelburg United, who campaign in Mpumalanga’s ABC Motsepe League.
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The last time Middelburg had a team in the Last 32 stage of the competition was during the Bob Save Super Bowl era, when on September 1, 1996, Santos defeated Middelburg United Brothers (MUBS) at Kees Taljaard Stadium.
Despite the recent achievement, Ferreira says his target is promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship and helping Middelburg have its first-ever professional team in South Africa.
“How many years have passed since I started at Witbank Black Aces in 1992? Now I’m at a brand-new club that started in 2016, and they’ve never been in the Last 32. It’s a big achievement for the club and the chairman, Henry Zwane,” says a proud Ferreira, speaking to KickOff.
The Cup as a Launchpad for Players
Beyond the personal milestone, Ferreira is already focused on what the Last 32 stage can mean for his squad. He believes the exposure alone could be transformative for players who have long deserved a bigger spotlight.
“The Last 32 will open doors for most of our players to be spotted by PSL clubs, and it doesn’t matter which team we will get in the Last 32.
“This achievement proves coaching has no expiry date. I’m just happy to still make a difference in a player’s life even though I’m in my late 60s.
“We can cause an upset; the gap between the PSL and the ABC Motsepe League is not that great anymore, otherwise the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and [Mamelodi] Sundowns would be beating the ABC Motsepe League teams 7-0 in the Nedbank Cup.
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“At the moment, we lie third in our ABC Motsepe League stream, and six points behind Phezulu FC, who are in top spot. We are playing them in two weeks’ time.
“There are only 22 games, and we’ve played four already, which means we have only 18 left. So, that’s our focus now because the chairman wants promotion,” he adds.
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