Palmer gets just what doctor ordered
MTHATHA Bucks coach Ian Palmer kept his word following his charges’ 2-1 win when they locked horns with Uthongathi and earned three points.
Palmer told the Dispatch last week that he looked to steal the three points away from home when they play against the National First Division newcomers at the Princess Magogo Stadium, in Durban at the weekend.
Bucks are currently sitting on nine points at number four and will now look to overthrow Stellenbosch FC who are on 11 points sitting at number one at home this weekend.
Palmer said they had to make up for the Witbank Spurs game they played at home when they drew 1-1 against the Mpumalanga outfit.
“It was not easy because getting a win away is actually gold and it was a hard-fought battle. In the first half, they gave us trouble and I think we had two breaks which [Linda] Bhengu failed to finish off.
“In the second half, we were much stronger and it’s just sad for me that we scored, and four minutes later, we conceded an equaliser. That’s one of the factors I need to work on.
He said he would focus on the first five minutes of their game, the last minutes of the first half and added he was happy he finally got Lucky Mathosi on his side.
“I need to find a way of approaching the game in the last minutes of the first half to protect our lead.
“I have wanted Mathosi for two seasons already, but unfortunately we couldn’t agree on terms as his team was asking demanding a little bit more – but I’ve always believed that this boy suits the way I play.
“It’s the same as with Mpho [Erasmus] . . . he will guarantee you 20 goals this season if not more. And Mathosi can be up there as well.”
He continued: “We are still working on his and [Luyulo] Nomandela’s fitness, so this Fifa break will give us a chance to work on these boys and having them in the team as quickly as possible.”
Bucks’ first goal came from a cross from Sihle Mbhele who hit the bar and found Mpho Erasmus at the right time and place. The former Zizwe United whiz did not disappoint as he chipped the ball in.
Erasmus, who is the top goalscorer in the NFD with five goals in five games, said they played their hearts out.
“The weather was very bad and it contributed to our performance as we didn’t play the way we planned. But because we have a strong team, we pulled through.”
In the second half, Palmer replaced Menzi Chili with former University of Pretoria striker Mathosi. Shortly thereafter, Mathosi scored his first goal for Amatholamnyama when he finished off a ball from Mbhele who found Erasmus, but the goalscoring machine couldn’t finish.