Thunderbirds show no mercy
Apleni’s charges put 18 past opponents, as financial worry sets in
THUNDERBIRDS made it their business to humiliate Cumakala 18-0 during a Sasol League encounter at WSU Ibika Campus in Butterworth over the weekend.
At the moment, Thunderbirds have won all six games played in the women’s league and remain in second position while last season’s strong competitor, City Lads remained rooted at the summit of the logstandings.
Thunderbirds coach Thembalethu Apleni said this was his first time seeing his charges scoring as many goals as they did. Apleni said they played their normal game, but they were just lucky to have scored all those goals.
“There was nothing special about this game, even when we were preparing for it we were just doing our usual preps.
“And I believe that it just depends on the opponent on the day of the game.
“And that means that even if we’d play Cumakala now, we wouldn’t score as many goals like we did last weekend.
“We just trained normally, but I always emphasise the importance of playing the ball and not to rush for goals – playing the ball so we can identify gaps to score,” said Apleni.
Last season Thunderbirds was in the top three performing teams on the local front and they ended up representing the province at the Sasol League National Championships tournament that was held at Kabokweni Stadium in Mpumalanga.
“This year it’s not our goal to reach the playoffs because once you start winning everything you become a target and everyone starts putting a bulls-eye on your back.
“So that’s why we are just playing our football, but then if an opponent slips up – we’ll take the points home.
“And we’ve got a big concern about this season and I don’t think we’ll finish the league unless we get financial backing, because travelling is a problem and I can’t afford to pay from my own pocket anymore.”
Apleni said the R30 000 the official sponsor of the league – Sasol coughs up in a season was a drop in the ocean.
“They give us R15 000 for each round and for each match we have to pay plusminus R8 000. Mind you there are 30 matches to be played in the league.
“To be able to participate in this league we need to R250 000 at least for transport.”
He said nothing would change in their preparations when they visit Birmingham City in East London on Saturday.
“We have a challenge of not having all our players because they’re writing their exams, but no matter what happens during this coming game, we’ll continue playing as a team.
“And we are expecting anything for that game because they always bring it when they play against us – we draw or lose or win. Birmingham is a good team just like us so we have to prepare and go out and do our best.”
Other results: University of Fort Hare 03 City Lads, Bashee Eagles 1-2 Birmingham City, Sophakama Ladies 3 -0 Eastern Rangers, Manchester Babes 3-4 Golden Stars, Ayakha Stars 2-4 Executive Ladies, Red Roses 8-0 Eluhewini.