MODEST FREESE BACK ON THE HIGH GROUND
SOMETIMES you have to take a step backwards to get back to the top, says Highlands Park’s coach Allan Freese.
Freese swallowed his pride to work at Highlands despite winning two knockout competitions with Platinum Stars in the elite league.
Fired by Stars after a disappointing 2014/2015 campaign, Freese took a road less travelled to get back to the PSL, guiding Highlands to the elite league with a game to spare in the promotion/relegation playoffs.
A 2-0 victory over Mbombela United at Makhulong Stadium on Wednesday capped what has been a phenomenal season for Freese and his players.
They were without a doubt the most organised club in the First Division and the fact that they have not conceded a goal in the playoffs, after three matches, backs this.
“At first I did not understand the under23 rule [in the NFD]. After that we started to do well, but that rule put us on the back foot in the beginning,” said Freese, whose side finished just one point behind champions Baroka FC in the league.
“We planned game by game and it worked. We just have to thank our supporters for the support we got [in Tembisa]”.
Key to Highlands’ success this season was the central defensive partnership of Rudi Isaacs and Jermain Christian, and the experience of captain Tapuwa Kapini in goal. They conceded just 18 goals, finishing the campaign with the best defensive record. Christian, a former Santos and Bay United player, was also key at the opposite end of the pitch, scoring eight goals. Credit should also go to Mothobi Mvala, Peter Shalulile and Simphiwe Tshabalala for their contribution in the team’s success. “The experience of the senior players, Stanley [Kgatla], Rudi, Jermain and Kapini came in handy for us. We need this experience in the PSL next season. But the younger players also came to the party,” said Freese. “We need to stabilise the team in the first season and reinforce the squad.” Highlands director, Sinky Mnisi, confirmed they will play their home matches at Makhulong Stadium next season with the Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton used as an alternative venue.