Madinda defends Sianchali
HIGHLANDERS coach, Madinda Ndlovu has defended striker, Newman Sianchali who came under intense fire over the weekend from fans over what was considered a poor performance against Black Rhinos at the National Sport Stadium in Harare.
Sianchali has struggled to find the back of the nets at Tshilamoya having only scored twice since the beginning of the season and fans were unhappy when he fluffed what seemed a clear chance to equalise for Bosso who lost the match 1-0.
Sianchali hesitated to shoot at goal as he faced goalkeeper, Ashley Rayners and was dispossessed before he could make anything of the chance.
Some fans accosted Sianchali after the match calling for his head and had a short exchange of harsh words before they allowed him to head to the team but although the supporters showed their frustration.
Ndlovu however feels Sianchali is a very important player in his squad and he is only hamstrung by the lack of the killer instinct needed to come up with the goals.
“Sianchali is not different from any other player that we have. He has done what he has to do and basically I think for us he is a very important player within our team who makes situations happen but runs short because of other incapabilities.
“Maybe he lacks that killer instinct but he is a very key member in terms of team work, he has great positioning and can find himself in strategic positions but runs short of that killer instinct to enable him to bury the chances that are created,” he said.
The former Hwange striker was recruited to lead a strike force the technical department felt is yet to reach maturity but he has struggled to come up with the goals.
Ndlovu said they were hoping youngsters would learn from Sianchali when they roped him in at the beginning of the season.
The player, who came from Talen Vision, could be making his way to the Botswana premiership after he was invited for a weeklong trial stint by the side this past week.
He left on Monday and was expected to come back today (Sunday).
Highlanders’ blunt strike force has seen them struggle to notch up games despite creating numerous chances. Despite a promising start and closely trekking log leaders, FC Platinum and second placed Ngezi Platinum, Amahlolanyama has gone through an inconsistent patch that has seen them lose crucial games.