Amavarara proud of bold stand in cup defeat
Boss pleased with how third-tier side fared against PSL side
Amavarara chairman Lusapho Mzwakali says his young and inexperienced side had overachieved when they qualified for the Nedbank Cup last 16 stage.
Mzwakali was reacting to their 2-0 loss against Black
Leopards in the Nedbank Cup last 16 at the Thohoyandou Stadium over the weekend.
Despite the loss, he said both he and head coach Mzunani “Maradona” Mgwigwi were pleased with how they had performed against Lidoda Duvha in their own backyard.
“I think we represented ABC Motsepe League very well against a PSL side. So we won’t crucify the boys for the results because we are very pleased with the way they played,”
Mzwakali told the Dispatch.
“We wish to proceed to the quarterfinals, and we know that all will eventually happen in due course.
“This was just the true reflection of what is due to us now. We went there having nothing to lose. We had already overachieved by qualifying for the last 16.”
He lauded his players for showing courage against bigger teams throughout the tournament, especially the U23 guns in the team.
“Remember, we are a new team in this league. This is our second year in the Motsepe League and not everyone qualifies for Nedbank Cup and proceeds to this stage.
“Everything went well for us and I think we proved a point — even before playing Leopards.
“And the experience we have gained in this tournament is amazing, especially since we are not a team that is beefed up with former professional players from other provinces
“We are building the experience by playing our local-born boys. We had five U23 players — our top-man Athenkosi Tonisi is 19.”
Mzwakali said he wanted to ensure they complied with Safa rules which compel clubs to afford U23 players game time. He hoped they would win the league title next season.
“It was as if we were playing the league. In fact, we play all our games complying with Safa rules because we are building for promotion.
“So all the experience we are gathering, we are building for the ABC Motsepe League playoffs for next season — not this one.
“We want to be ready for those playoffs to fight for a GladAfrica Championship status and that is only next season. All these U23 players are being oiled for the playoffs next season.”
Amavarara goalkeeper Khanya Mini who was making his third appearance in the Nedbank Cup competition admitted his teammates had shown fear against the professional side.
“In the first half, we didn’t play very well,” he said.
“I don’t know whether my guys were a little bit afraid or what. But we tried our best in the second half and I would have loved to keep a clean sheet on the day but I couldn’t.
“I’m grateful to be here with Amavarara and I want to continue working hard for the team, but I know that today was not our day,” said Mini.