The National First Division newbies beat Cavin Johnson’s AmaZulu 3-2 in a pulsating last-16 tie at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday evening.
First-half goals from Clint Fredericks and Duncan Adonis, and another one early in the second stanza through Kamohelo Mahlatsi put the visitors in control.
However, goals from Mabhuti Khenyeza and Ovidy Karuru set up a nervy finish to the game for Ubuntu, who also had their goalkeeper Buti Khoza to thank for a last-minute fingertip save.
Cale is of the opinion that the youngsters deserve all the credit for punching above their weight and eliminating Polokwane City and Usuthu from the tournament.
“The character, commitment and dedication they showed on the big stage for first timers is amazing,” Cale tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“The players grafted hard whole night and thoroughly deserve their success. I’m very happy for them as they’re working hard at training. I could see this whole week their energy levels were up and they were pumped, you know.
“I’m also happy for the owners and the management as they’re investing a lot in the club as well. This a is good boost for our profile as we are a young club, you know.”
Despite Ubuntu’s strong run in the lucrative competition, Cale says their priority is to retain their second-tier status this season.
“After all it is our bread and butter,” says the 34-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United winger.
“We shouldn’t also get too ahead of ourselves and let this derail us from our main goal.
“We have clawed our way out the bottom and we shouldn't throw all this away now. But look one cannot deny how much this means to the club financially as well, therefore all of this is a big deal to us.”
Cale adds: “We don’t care who we play in the next round or in the future of this competition. We must just believe in ourselves and our ability.”
Ubuntu are 12th on the NFD table with 24 points from 23 games - a point above the relegation zone.