Seedorf wins first silverware at Botafogo

11-Mar-2013 5:50:00 AM

The legendary Dutch midfielder was part of the Brazilian team which overcame Vasco da Gama to win the Guanabara Cup, the opening stage of the Rio de Janeiro state championship

Clarence Seedorf has won his first piece of silverware since joining Botafogo when the Brazilian side defeated Vasco da Gama 1-0 on Sunday in the Guanabara Cup.

The opening stage of the Rio de Janeiro state championship is hardly the most prestigious trophy on offer in the nation, but officials - including president Mauricio Assumpcao - invaded the pitch at full-time after Lucas' 80th-minute strike gave the club their seventh triumph in the competition.

Seedorf, who started the move which saw the goal scored, told Globoesporte.com: "It feels really good to win. This shows that all trophies are important.

"Who would not want to celebrate that? That is what has to happen, it must be so in every game, each has its importance.

"It's my first cup here, I'm very happy. But that title was not for me, it was for them [pointing to the fans in the stadium]. The fans deserve this and must always believe in us.

"Their support was very important. The temperature throughout was hot, Vasco have a very strong team and we needed their energy."

Ahead of the game, Botafogo coach Oswaldo de Oliveira had revealed the former Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder is still adapting to South American football since joining the club last year.

He said: "Seedorf is very harsh on himself. He says he still hasn't fully adapted and makes a big effort to reach the high standards he sets himself.

"He puts pressure on himself, so I try to help him by making sure that his team-mates understand his way of thinking and vice versa. He has made a big effort to adapt.

"There has been a difference in his development in the first couple of games this season. It’s a question of time and something he is still getting used to."

The 36-year-old has 13 goals in 34 appearances since joining the capital-based club eight months ago.