SuperSport United's DStv Diski Challenge players got a surprise visit from former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari, who gave them words of wisdom after their 6-2 defeat against Bristol City on Tuesday afternoon.
The youngsters took a trip of over two hours from London to Bristol on early Tuesday, a day after landing in the United Kingdom from a long flight via Dubai. They were given a warm welcome at Bristol's training venue and got changed to start preparing for the clash against the side's under-21 boys.
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After a shaky start to the game which saw them going a goal down within 40 seconds and then conceding another in the 11th minute, SuperSport had the tenacity to come back and make it 2-2, thanks to goals from Kheabetswe Khonyane and Bilal Baloyi. But the effects of the long trip appeared to creep in as Bristol took advantage and ran rampant in a 6-2 victory in front of a small crowd of staff and supporters at their training venue.
After the match, Mwaruwari went into the dressing room to speak to the boys and gave them words that they can carry for many years to come, especially those who are looking to one day ply their trade in the (English) Premier League, just as he did for City, Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers.
Speaking to the young players in the dressing room, Mwaruwari said: "According to me, you played so well. You flew all the way (to London) for (about) 14 hours and you didn't get enough time to rest. When I was talking to one of your coaches outside, I saw that you were tired in the first 10 minutes. You came here and fought all the way. This was the first game. Sometimes it's the hard work that you put in there. In the next game, you start all over again and you will be fresher.
"There kinds of games can give you exposure. You are so lucky. You came here. In my time, I never had this opportunity to come showcase my talent in Europe. Now, this gives you a picture of what it's like to play in Europe. I loved what I saw. Keep on working hard and I want to see you wanting it more."
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SuperSport are set to play against Queens Park Rangers' under-21s on Saturday.
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