East London-based Tornado FC have benefited this season from the experience of new coach Jerry ‘Legs of Thunder’ Sikhosana, with the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker taking the team to new heights.

The Mdantsane side, which competes in the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League, have made an excellent start to Sikhosana’s tenure and won their place in the Nedbank Cup Last 32, including beating last year’s representatives from the province, Buffalo FC, 1-0 along the way.

It was a result that has surprised even the club itself, according to assistant coach Sizwe Magadla.

“This is a surprise because we did not expect it so soon, as ours is work in progress,” he told reporters.

Magadla adds that the team’s fitness levels and desire to play a passing game gave them an edge, a hint of what their Nedbank Cup Last 32 opponents will face.

“I also think our fitness levels, which are high, gave us the upper hand. Also, the style of play we employed – playing short balls – confused the opponent.”

Sikhosana has a young squad to work with, but says he enjoys the challenge of developing up and coming players.

“I enjoy working with young talent, and I assisted in bringing through a player like Thabo Matlaba, who I found on the dusty streets of Tembisa,” Sikhosana said.

“He played for my team there, M Tigers, and I also scouted guys like Teko Modise, as well as Punch Masanamela and Themba Zwane, who were also at M Tigers.”

Sikhosana has an obvious eye for talent and few will relish a trip to Mdantsane.