Going into the game vs Thanda, we knew the importance of a victory after back to back draws against Royal Eagles and Vasco.
KZN derbies are always very difficult to call but we have been working on the weaknesses of our opponents and preparation went well leading up to the game. Once again we started tentative and allowed the opponents too much time and space on the ball.
You can allow the opposition to score first so many times and be able to come back into the game with the fighting spirit we have shown the last few games. The red card (2 yellow cards) received by Siyabonga Dube was not ideal as we were trying to bounce back before half time.
The introduction of Deon Hotto again proved to bring a spark into our attack and started to create some chances. A well worked move from Sibeko and good cross put pressure on their defense and goalkeeper, where Deon Hotto capitalised by pouncing to score the equalizer.
We then showed some confidence with good patches of play even though we were still playing with 10 men. A few individual errors caused to be the downfall of our team and also conceding another 2 goals to eventually lose the game 3-1.
It is almost impossible to win a match when about 7 of your players do not turn up for the game with very poor performances and showing no desire to actually get the victory. Football is not all about speed and skill but also showing the desire and will to win from the start.
Next 3 games, until the Christmas break have now become critical for our team. Not just as far as results but also to restore the confidence and morale in the camp.
Bouncbackability will be the word to get my players on the right track again and in the running for promotion again.