Free State Stars coach Luc Eymael says his counter-attacking tactics helped Ea Lla Koto overcome Maritzburg United in the Nedbank Cup final, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Ea Lla Koto were crowned Nedbank Cup champions after claiming a 1-0 victory over the Team of Choice at Cape Town Stadium through a goal from Goodman Dlamini.

The Belgian coach admits that Maritzburg were more technical than them, but he insists that people will only remember Stars for winning their first piece of silverware after their 24-year trophy drought.

“We have the Cup, you don’t have to play the final, you have to win the final, we did [that] today. Our plan was to counter-attack we know how mobile they are, rotating the ball overloading the midfield, we knew that isn’t our strength,” Eymael said.

“I asked my wingers to come inside in the second half because they forgot to do it in the first half. The way we scored is a demonstration of our counter-attack. I know it’s not the nicest way of playing but when you’re new in the team you have to find a style that will best suit the players to make results because at the end of the day it’s not how well you’re playing.

“Everyone will remember that Free State Stars brought the Cup back in Free State I’m very happy for my fans, the committee. I want to congratulate them especially for my family it’s my fifth trophy in eight years in Africa in different countries.

“The opponent was more technical than us, more speed than us, younger than us. We had to come with a tactic that we’re more compact at the back and kept a good structure. We could have scored two or three goals but I’m happy that we won in the end.”

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix