TSHWANE TAKE TWO
SUPERSPORT OUT FOR REVENGE AFTER THUMPING
SuperSport United did not come to the party against Mamelodi Sundowns. They underestimated them based on their recent slump, which made them think they would do much better than Sundowns, and that is why they lost 5-0. It did not work on the day because when I look at the players, they looked heavy-legged, and I was very shocked with their performance in all departments – it was not something I was expecting.
Their poor performance cannot be because of the on-going speculation surrounding Stuart Baxter’s appointment as the new Bafana Bafana coach. They are professionals and they know that coaches come and go, more especially when you look at the position they are in – having a great opportunity to win the league. I would attribute their loss to the lack of positivity in looking at their chances of winning the Premiership instead of focusing on losing their coach.
In the first match, Sundowns were too good for them, but now I expect them to respond when they meet again on Wednesday. This time I am expecting a very close match because United’s players have been humiliated and will be burning to restore their dignity and bring their title chase back on track. For them to do that, they have to make sure they win.
On the other hand, Sundowns’ chances of defending their title are now more realistic when you look at the gap between them and the leading pack.
It is very close, which makes them strong contenders and that will also make the league finale very interesting.
The beauty of football is that at this stage of the season, teams are starting to get a better picture of where they are likely to finish come the end of the season. They are starting to be aware of how important it is to fight and finish strongly.
A host of them are pulling up their socks, such as Orlando Pirates – although they did not win against Highlands Park, their performance was good. The Buccaneers are starting to show the good attitude and level of concentration that they have been lacking earlier on in the campaign, and that increases their chances of qualifying for the top eight, which is of course not going to be easy.
When I look at the table now, from the top, the middle and at the bottom, I would say it will be decided either on the second-last day or at the very death. The sides which are involved in the relegation battle have been displaying strong attitudes of late. We can see the good work-rate and the commitment, which goes to show that at this stage, no one is taking
anything for granted.
I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate Kaizer Chiefs, especially Steve Komphela, who has turned Chiefs into the best attacking team in the league at the moment. I attribute that to the qualities of the coach.
We are starting to see a very strong connection between the coach and the players and that is the secret of a winning team. The players themselves are starting to respond to Komphela’s philosophy, and that is work that doesn’t come easily, it comes with a lot of hard work and a lot of support from the management.
I am very impressed with their attacking organisation, you can see that there is harmony in the team and that is something worthy of being applauded and encouraged.