Two games, two points, Dhlakama badly needs a win
JOHANNESBURG. Black Leopards head coach Rodwell Dhlakama is feeling the heat with pressure mounting on Lidoda Duvha following their goalless draw with JDR Stars in a Motsepe Foundation Championship match at Malamulele Stadium on Sunday.
This was Dhlakama’s second game in charge since taking over the coaching reins at the club from Joel Masutha.
The Zimbabwean mentor is yet to taste a win as he has played draws in those two games in which he was at the helm.
Dhlakama reckons that something needs to be done to turn around their fortunes as they are not comfortable with the position they are placed in the South African football second tier.
Currently, Leopards are in position 14 with nine points from 10 outings.
“We need to work hard on training because we can’t finish the game with the same pace and the same energy. Something should be done. Otherwise, we are not like we are comfortable with where we are sitting, especially against the background that we lost a lot of games in the first opening games,” Dhlakama told FAPost.
“So now, it’s like we are trying to play catch-up games and these games are getting tougher and tougher.
“Teams at the top want to maintain their positions and teams at the bottom also want to move out from relegation. So, for us it’s like we have to work hard and make sure that we move away from the danger zone.
Reflecting on the game itself, he added: “It was a difficult game with a bad start. In general, we were second on the ball as the opponents controlled the positioning and we couldn’t match up their physical presence in the first half.”
“In the second half, we upped our tempo and started controlling the game as we created a couple of chances which we could have converted.
“I think in the last quarter, again we sat back and they were coming at us because they played with a bit of confidence and determination. But we were a bit resilient in stopping their moves.
“Honestly, a point at home is not good, especially considering the position we are at on the log standings.”