New kids on block are fired up United, Mazembe play to tame draw
BIZANA Pondo Chiefs are planning to retain their ABC Motsepe League status at all costs after gaining promotion during the provincial playoffs held at Fort Hare University at the weekend.
Chiefs won all three of their games at the weekend, winning with high margins for the best record in the competition.
The club’s assistant coach, Loyiso “Tsutsu” Jokweni said they want to consolidate their status in the thirdtier league in every kind of way possible.
“We are aiming to stabilise the team in an attempt to retain our place in the league and also to allow the boys to familiarise themselves with the conditions and environment of the upper tier,” he said.
Jokweni said if they were in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) they would be aiming to position themselves in the top eight, but for now any position will do, as long as the club won’t be in the relegation zone.
“We also need a few players who have experience in the ABC Motsepe League and also in the SAB League, because we do have good quality players with potential but they are U23 and do not have enough experience needed to compete at this level.”
He said they had also established a team of technical advisers prior the playoffs and that will help in preparing the boys for the upcoming season.
“We are confident that our coaching team and advisers will do their best in preparing the squad. Competing with the likes of the E C Bees, Callies, you name them, won’t be easy but that alone is a motivating factor and we are going to give them a run for their money,” he said.
The club says it plans to keep its players by making sure everyone is happy.
“We have a plan to retain each and every player and that plan talks to monetary value, a sense of belonging and a place called home away from home,” he said.
The team’s management has been funding the club’s day-to-day running from their own pockets and is now looking for potential donors to chip in a helping hand to move the team forward.
“We are in the process of engaging the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Mbizana Local Municipality and local business for sponsorship deals,” said Jokweni.
‘We hope that with those engagements we will meet their considered approval and we remain hopeful for a positive response.”
After completing these processes the team will start recruiting new players locally and around the province.
“This team is from Pondoland so we will focus in our area before going outside to other areas in the province.
Jokweni continued: “We are looking for players who have played in the Vodacom League who are team players and not people who want to shine alone, who are between the age of 21 years to 25 years.”
The team will announce the dates and venues for the trials in due course. AS FAR as goalless draws go, the one between SuperSport United and T P Mazembe could have a significant impact on the teams CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinal chances.
The result at the Lucas Moripe Stadium last night was a fair reflection of the colourless but tense nature of the match, considering the exciting fare the sides dished up in the corresponding fixture in Lubumbashi on June 3.
Horoya’s 1-0 win over CF Mounana in Conakry meant a positive result was a prerequisite for both teams.
The three were all tied on five points with SuperSport heading up Group D on goal difference.
SuperSport still have to make the trip to Guinea in what could be a tournament deciding game on July 1 as Mazembe have the easier task of travelling to Gabon to deal with the group’s weak link the next day.
Last night’s game quickly became a tactical chessmatch.
Thuso Phala’s pace attracted plenty of attention and when he did find space, his long range grass cutter was well saved by Mazembe goalkeeper Ley Matampi.
SuperSport displayed some defensive diligence absent in the early part of the group stage.
They conceded seven goals leading into the game, even though that was offset by the nine they scored.
Ronwen Williams didn’t have the busiest of first halves but chances from Rainford Kalaba and Michee Miku kept him alert.
SuperSport suffered a crucial blow when hardworking left back Onismor Bhasera was stretchered off on the stroke of halftime.
There’s a high possibility of his unavailability for Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates in Durban.
The second half continued in the same vein as chances refused to avail themselves.
The game predictably petered out into the expected draw that will do both sides no good. — TMG