Posted in News, Team News on Jan 06, 2019.
Coach Ernst Middendorp thought his side played well and deserved something out of Saturday's 1-2 loss against Mamelodi Sundowns.
After three unbeaten games, Amakhosi’s run was halted by Sundowns in a match that reached a climax as was anticipated.
In his view the German Mentor said, “we continued in the same vein as we did in the past three games. We played a similar formation and I’m glad the players came to the party and showed much intention throughout the match.”
Amakhosi dominated proceedings after Sundowns had taken an early lead.
“We committed mistakes here and there,” said Middendorp, “we conceded two goals through mistakes. The good thing is in our dressing room we don’t single out players and play a blame game. We are professionals and we take a loss as a collective.”
The dominant Amakhosi equalized through hard man and skipper Willard Katsande’s educated headed goal. “We had moments where we could have scored the winner,” said Middendorp, “there were several missed opportunities. We will go back to the training grounds to rectify those. At the end we lost against a resolute Sundowns and I wish to congratulate them.”
Middendorp made several changes with one forced by the injury to Willard Katsande. Kabelo Mahlasela came on in his place and immediately made an impact and coming close to scoring. Mahlasela unselfishly opted for a cross with an opportunity to score at his disposal.
Godfrey Walusimbi and Hendrick Ekstein made way for respectively lanky Teenage Hadebe and the experienced Bernard Parker. Before his substitution, Ekstein caused some trouble on the attack.
“It’s a norm to change the approach during the game,” responded Middendorp, “as a coach you have a responsibility to make a call where necessary. The changes were influenced by a technical need to do so. The substitution is not always a reflection on a player’s performance. We analyze the match and thought to make changes. At times changes work and sometimes they don’t. That’s football.”
Middendorp poured cold water on any thought of goalkeeper Virgil Vries taking a stick from an 81st minute howler that led to Sundowns’ winner. “He remains a good keeper,” said Middendorp. “He recovered immediately and no doubt Virgil will soldier on with the support from the Team.”
George Maluleka was a marvel to watch on the day unfortunately pipped by Sundowns’ Anthony Laffor for Man of the Match Award.
Middendorp and his Team will, given the performance, walk away from this encounter with much encouragement.
After three unbeaten games, Amakhosi’s run was halted by Sundowns in a match that reached a climax as was anticipated.
In his view the German Mentor said, “we continued in the same vein as we did in the past three games. We played a similar formation and I’m glad the players came to the party and showed much intention throughout the match.”
Amakhosi dominated proceedings after Sundowns had taken an early lead.
“We committed mistakes here and there,” said Middendorp, “we conceded two goals through mistakes. The good thing is in our dressing room we don’t single out players and play a blame game. We are professionals and we take a loss as a collective.”
The dominant Amakhosi equalized through hard man and skipper Willard Katsande’s educated headed goal. “We had moments where we could have scored the winner,” said Middendorp, “there were several missed opportunities. We will go back to the training grounds to rectify those. At the end we lost against a resolute Sundowns and I wish to congratulate them.”
Middendorp made several changes with one forced by the injury to Willard Katsande. Kabelo Mahlasela came on in his place and immediately made an impact and coming close to scoring. Mahlasela unselfishly opted for a cross with an opportunity to score at his disposal.
Godfrey Walusimbi and Hendrick Ekstein made way for respectively lanky Teenage Hadebe and the experienced Bernard Parker. Before his substitution, Ekstein caused some trouble on the attack.
“It’s a norm to change the approach during the game,” responded Middendorp, “as a coach you have a responsibility to make a call where necessary. The changes were influenced by a technical need to do so. The substitution is not always a reflection on a player’s performance. We analyze the match and thought to make changes. At times changes work and sometimes they don’t. That’s football.”
Middendorp poured cold water on any thought of goalkeeper Virgil Vries taking a stick from an 81st minute howler that led to Sundowns’ winner. “He remains a good keeper,” said Middendorp. “He recovered immediately and no doubt Virgil will soldier on with the support from the Team.”
George Maluleka was a marvel to watch on the day unfortunately pipped by Sundowns’ Anthony Laffor for Man of the Match Award.
Middendorp and his Team will, given the performance, walk away from this encounter with much encouragement.
