The young midfielder’s inclusion in the game was the turning point on that Saturday afternoon at the FNB Stadium, as he turned the game on its head when he replaced Gerald Sibeko.

Mathebula quickly made an impact on the game as he set up two goals for Louis Agyemang and struck a third goal for The Amakhosi, as Chiefs knocked the defending champions out and got the proverbial ball rolling in their quest for ABSA Cup glory and eventually went on to win the ABSA Cup in 2006.

Although he has not featured much this season David believes that his love for Cup games is well known by Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp, and is promising to be at his devastating best in this years ABSA Cup. An upbeat Mathebula said to kaizerchiefs.com on Tuesday morning, “I really enjoyed last seasons ABSA Cup tournament apart from the fact that we won the event, the fact that I was able to contribute to the teams success made it all the memorable for me”.

The diminutive Mathebula whose nimble footwork has won him many admirers is equally positive that Chiefs will successfully defend the Cup, and that he will play just as big a role in 2007 as he did in last years tournament.

“At the moment I am really itching to get some game time and I do feel that I am in good physical shape, and I would like to make a meaningful contribution to our ABSA Cup Campaign,” said Mathebula.

On the issue of whether or not Chiefs will go along way in the defence of the trophy he added “during my few years at the club we have had to defend a number of titles we have never lost the grip on any of those trophies with out a fight and this one will not be any different. It is always enjoyable to end off the season by having to contest a cup final, an obviously winning a trophy on the last day of the season is just great for both the fans and players, As we all get to round off nine months of hard work with a celebration”.

In 2007 ABSA the tournament sponsors have upped the ante by increasing the prize money allocated to the player of the tournament and the top goal scorer, with each of those particular individual prizewinners expected to walk away with R250 000. David is of the opinion that with such high stakes the competition it will ensure that the competition in the 2007 ABSA Cup will be tougher than in previous years.

As he said “With the kind of incentives being offered by ABSA in terms of the individual prizes, as well as the R2.5 million winners purse all the teams will definitely double their efforts in pursuit of the trophy. We cannot hide from the issue that all participants in such tournaments enjoy a big payday, for example a car salesman will go to extra lengths to reach certain targets if he is given certain incentives to reach those targets.

“Well this is the same the sponsors have set the bar and it is up to us to clear it, I am also happy to see that there a prizes for supporters and I urge all the Chiefs fans coming to ABSA Cup games to look their gold and black best”.

With the ABSA Cup due to kick off later this month Chiefs will in the space of two weeks twice play host to Lamontville Golden Arrows, starting with a league game this Saturday in Orkney before the Durban based team return a fortnight later to face Chiefs as the Amakhosi open up the defence of their ABSA Cup.

David believes that Chiefs next two league games against Arrows and Bidvest Wits could help The Amakhosi re-launch their title challenge, and a win particularly over Arrows on Saturday will hand Chiefs the psychological edge over them ahead of the ABSA Cup tie.

2007 ABSA CUP Prizes And Incentives

1ST Prize R 2, 500, 000


2ND Prize R 1, 000, 000


Losing Semi Finalist R 300,000 each


Losing Quarter Finalist R 100,000 each


Last 16 R 75,000 each


Last 32 R 50,000 each

Tournament Awards

Coach of the Tournament R 30 000


Player of the Tournament R 250 000 (Increased from R40 000 in 2006)


Top Goal Scorer of the tournament R 250 000 (Increased from R40 000 in 2006)


Silver Moment of brilliance R 20 000


Most Valuable Young Player to win a 1-year Nike Contract worth R50 000

Media Awards

Best Print Journalist (including online) R 20 000


Best Photographer R 20 000


Best TV Journalist or Commentator R 20 000


Best Radio Journalist or Commentator R 20 000


Dream Journalist Award R20 000