Holiday break must not affect high-riding Bucks, says Mapompo

Bush Bucks Academy have to hit the ground running when they return from the Christmas break if they are to maintain their position at the summit of the ABC Motsepe League log standings, assistant coach Sibusiso Mapompo says.

The former Mthatha Bucks mentor was reacting to their 21 win against Bhisho Stars at Jan Smuts Stadium earlier in the week which propelled his team to first place on the third-tier log standings with 28 points.

Mapompo said there was a lot at stake and other teams like Spears, who were now sitting in the runners-up position with 25 points, would eventually catch up with them unless they avoid being complacent when they return from the three-week break.

“This was our fifth win in a row and that shows our true potential as a team especially because we are gunning for the league title,” Mapompo said.

“For a team that were struggling last season we are really impressed with the boys’ performance and as the technical team we can’t be complacent when we return from the break.

“And I hope the boys will behave and keep themselves safe throughout the festive season so we can hit the ground running when we get back.”

Though Mapompo acknowledged that the entire team have pushed themselves, he had only good things to say about former Tornado striker Freddy Hlalele, who joined Bucks at the start of the 2019-20 season.

He said Hlalele, the twin brother of former Tornado forward Charlie Hlalele, who is now plying his trade at AmaZulu, was the best thing that had happened to Bucks.

“Three points means a lot to us, and I believe that we can keep this up and eventually win the championship when the season ends.

“Hlalele always brings his best to the game, and we were not surprised that he came through for us at the 13th hour in the game.

“At the training; he works hard and always produces the goods so we are fortunate to have him in the team.2

“But that happens with the whole team. We have got a good thing going. All the players have something to offer and they are all hard workers and I think they’ve shown they are determined to change things this season.”

Mapompo and his principal Mondli Funani has been given a task to win the third-tier league title and qualify for the ABC Motsepe league promotional playoffs set to take place in 2020.

“I know the boys are going to keep improving because we have a task to win the league and go to the playoffs. Our chairman [Sturu Pasiya] is investing a lot of time and money in the team so we have repaid his efforts by producing good results.

“And the people of East London are yearning for a team that will play in the National First Division in Buffalo City Metro so we are trying to do that as a team.”

This was our fifth win in a row and that shows our true potential as a team especially because we are gunning for the league title