Bucks surge to third spot with morale boosting win

Bush Bucks Academy coach Mondli Funani outlined the importance of winning home games after his side beat Amavarara 2-0 victory in their ABC Motsepe League encounter at Jan Smuts Stadium over the weekend.

The victory over Amavarara propelled Bush Bucks to third position on the log standings with 25 points, while the Komani-based side remained at fifth place on the log with 22 points.

Funani emphasised the need to win home games to ensure they were still in the running for the league title when the second round that starts in January.

“It is important for us to collect points at home, irrespective of the opponents, and against Amavarara we were clinical in front of goals,’’ Bucks coach said.

The former Mthatha Bucks mentor said that he was fully aware of the stiff competition, which makes the victory even sweeter.

He promised that the players will not rest on their laurels after the good win.

“We are not going to bow to pressure or even let a victory like this one go to our heads.

“As a team we will take each game at a time because the league is a marathon and I am happy that my team is scoring goals, because when the season started we struggled a lot in that department.

“But as the technical team we are happy that the goals are coming in.”

Amavarara assistant coach, Wiseman Mdunana, who took over from controversial mentor Thomas Tshabalala, said the loss will serve as a motivation in their next league game against Bizana Pondo Chiefs.

‘‘The spirit is still high in the camp, and we hope to take that mentality and use it at home when we host Bizana Chiefs, he said.

“It was a good game for us, and we learnt a few things as well.’’