‘Sputla’ saved us - Tambuti boss

BIG BEND – Tambuti Director Rudolf Matsenjwa felt the return of Mlamuli ‘Sputla’ Zwane was just what the doctor ordered in their survival bid.

Matsenjwa made these comments after witnessing his side beat relegated Tinyosi 2-1 in a tightly-contested fixture at Mayaluka Stadium yesterday.

“Not to single out individuals, but I think the return of ‘Sputla’ has saved the team from relegation. He pushed the boys and they listened to him and the other panel of coaches,” said Matsenjwa.

“I am grateful for the effort shown by the players and supporters gave the players encouragement. People had written us off, but faith kept us in the league. The players fought gallantly until the last game,” he said.

Struggled

“The reason we struggled this season was because we took our eyes off the team in the first round. We had challenges but we sorted them in the second round, and I am glad we survived relegation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zwane thanked the management and players for the effort which led them to survive relegation.

“It was unity that saw us surviving relegation. The players tried their best.

I know some of these players , and it was easy working with them. I’m glad they did fight for the team to stay in the elite league,” said Zwane.

Meanwhile,Tambuti Captain Machawe Khumalo said it was a great feeling to hear that they had survived the axe. “We were playing every game under pressure, and we did not play well in the first round. We had to fight harder in the second round and it paid off,” said Khumlao.

Tinyosi Coach Julius Chakupewa said their biggest undoing was failure to convert chances they created throughout the season. He said the way forward was that, despite that they were down, they should be focused and fight back to return to the elite league.