Dylan Kerr applauds Ruzaigh Gamildien master-class after Warriors win DStv Compact Cup
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Ruzaigh Gamildien of Warriors celebrates his second and winning goal during the 2022 DStv Compact Cup Final against Coastal United at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday Ruzaigh Gamildien of Warriors celebrates his second and winning goal during the 2022 DStv Compact Cup Final against Coastal United at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Durban — Ruzaigh Gamildien stole the show with a well-taken brace as the Warriors FC walked away with a 2-1 victory over Coastal United FC in the inaugural DStv Compact Cup. Warriors and Swallows FC Coach, Dylan Kerr commended the performance of his entire team but specifically Gamildien.
“I think after going 1-0 down very early in the game we were always looking to bounce back and to recover that quickly with a good goal showed great character from the team. We worked very hard in training on finishing and it showed today.”
“The two finishes by Gamildien were very sublime today, He hasn’t been in the best of form in the league for us (Swallows), so hopefully this performance is just the start of him regaining his form,” he expressed.
Gamildien also revealed the hard work he has been putting in behind the scenes and how that gave him a great deal of confidence going into the final.
“I was very happy to be competing in this cup. So we’ve been practising the entire week on different scoring situations, therefore I was pretty confident going into this match that if I got a clear cut chance, I would take it,” he said.
Kerr also reflected on his experience of the entire DStv Compact Cup journey and in the process pleaded on the powers that be to allow the return of football supporters to the stadiums.
“I think the tournament provided South Africans the opportunity to do something different, some people may like it and some might not but the tournament serves as a reminder that the people of this country need football. I hope the Minister allows the fans back into the stadiums as soon as possible.
United made a good account of themselves in this encounter. Dominating at certain periods of the game with Ashley Du Preez, who scored the goal for United, looking lively and dangerous whenever he was in possession.
United Coach, Steve Barker felt hard done by leaving with a defeat in this encounter. The Stellenbosch mentor believed his side deserved to clinch the cup albeit with a bit of precision and incisivenes in front of goal.
“Generally I felt we were the better team. We made two errors and they got their goals. I’m very proud of these players, we played very well over the two games and we should’ve gotten the opportunity to atleast take penalties but it wasn’t to be.”
The coach also showed his appreciation in getting the opportunity to work with the other three coaches and expressed his gratitude for everything they were able to teach him in the two weeks they were together.