First-rate run by Gallagher catches eye
Despite draws at playoff Tornado captain is on fire
TORNADO captain Charles Gallagher left a resounding impression on everyone who was watching their National First Division playoffs opening game which ended 0-0 against Buya Msuthu in Polokwane on Monday.
That’s according to former Mthatha City coach Nkush Malgas, who told the Dispatch yesterday teams had a specific interest in Gallagher, after the experienced centreback led his teammates from the back with “distinction”.
Malgas, who’s currently assistant coach at NFD outfit Witbank Spurs, was attending the playoffs in his capacity as a scout for the Motsepe Foundation Technical Study Group. He said everyone he spoke to after the game was more interested in talking about Gallagher, and that was no surprise to him.
He said the level of talent in the Mdantsane-based outfit was impressive, and they’re not short of anything judging by the way other teams from other provinces were playing in the playoffs.
“We are the same in terms of player quality, and I just think the only problem is that status that we are from the Eastern Cape.
“Otherwise players – one versus one, we have the very same quality of players. Look at [Charles] Gallagher, the captain. He did well on Monday. A stellar job he did at the back, and people could not believe he’s been in the game for a very long time.
“Because when I was having a chat with guys from other teams, they were very impressed with his leadership skills, although he was marshalling at the back.”
Malgas also sang the praises of Tshepo Motsoeneng’s number one goalkeeper Phuti “Minaj” Lekoloane, who’s also been instrumental in the team retaining their unbeaten run at the playoffs.
“Even their keeper [Lekoloane] rose to the occasion, and if people could have seen a save he made in the eighth minute.
“He pulled a save that could have won the game for Buya Msuthu. It was a brilliant save and he didn’t stop there, because he had an impact on the game.”
Malgas said last year the Motsepe Foundation were out to find ways to improve the standard of the playoffs from previous years.
“We are here to collect data from teams participating in the playoffs and we focus on the teams’ demographics. We also identify key players in each team and we pay attention to the coaches – how qualified are they.
“So last year we came up with the model of playing three groups, as we had two groups in previous years. One group had five teams and the other had four teams.
“So we recommended to Safa [SA Football Association] via Motsepe Foundation to rather use the format of three teams in each group, and now it reflects a true tournament, and I think it’s more effective.”
Malgas said Tornado had a strong side, but playoffs were a closed book. Hence they need to keep their heads down and work harder.
“If I was with Tornado I would not change the team that played on Monday and I would also put pressure on the guys, because that might set them off.
“Because they had a good game against Buya Msuthu. They just needed sheer luck to win, because they missed the goalposts from close in. But they just need to win their remaining games,” said Malgas.
Yesterday, Tornado’s campaign was dealt a blow when they drew 2-2 against The Dolphins.