Phakaaathi.co.za ‘Highlands had our number’
MTSHALI: THEY FRUSTRATED US
Da Gama’s men made life difficult for Real Kings.
It is unusual for a player to honestly admit that their opponents had a better plan and executed it well, but this is what Real Kings’ playmaker Lindokuhle Mtshali did after their 1-1 National First Division draw with Highlands Park at the weekend.
Mtshali told Phakaaathi yesterday that Highlands – now coached by former Orlando Pirates mentor Owen da Gama – ensured that they didn’t have enough time on the ball to make things happen for the team as he usually does.
“I think someone gave them a proper analysis of our style and system and they came with a plan to frustrate us and ensure we did not play the way we enjoy,” said Mtshali.
Highlands took the lead late in the first half through captain Mothobi Mvala and could have scored a few more to seal the match but the Magic Boys held on. Kosingiphile Phewa ensured the spoils were shared when he scored near the end.
“Their experience also counted but we are also getting better with each game because these situations are growing us as players. We know we should have amassed full points at home but under the situation we found in the match we are happy with the point,” added Mtshali.
The Magic Boys remain in the bottom half of the NFD table with eight points from seven games while the Lions of the North moved up to fourth.
The big winners of the weekend in the NFD were Royal Eagles who have been on a winning streak since Zipho Dlangalala took over from Allan Freese. Eagles beat Mthatha Bucks 3-1 with Joshua Sauls, Mazwi Mncube and Diego Bworn scoring for the home side while former Mamelosi Sundowns player Luyolo Nomandela netted for Amathol’amnyama.
The win pushed Eagles into fifth place and Dlangalala said they were just reaping the fruits of their hard toil on the training field.
The weekend’s big match didn’t live up to expectations as neither Black Leopards nor Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila could find the back of the net in their first derby. The game at a packed Thohoyandou Stadium was played at high tempo with attackers pushing for goals but neither could break through, leaving both sides’ supporters dissatisfied.