MBABANE – Manzini Sea Birds Physical Trainer, Thembumendzi ‘Jemba’ Mayisela stated that having speedy players assisted them in winning their fixture against Royal Leopard.
This was on Saturday, where Sea Birds added salt to the already wounded Royal Leopard, beating them 2-0 at the Mhlume Stadium.
“What we saw that helped us the most in the fixture was that we have speedy players. Since we saw that they had a slow defence, we took advantage of that to get the goals,” remarked Mayisela.
He further shared that their focus is still one game at a time, they have not shifted their focus away from that because they are in a favourable position for the lucrative E120 000 first round carrot, sitting on 16 points.
“Right now we are not focused on winning the league, we are taking it one game at a time and focusing on getting three points and how we are able to manage each game,” he added.
Speaking more in detail about their fixture against Royal Leopard, he added that they executed their game plan exceptionally, while noting that the game was no walk in the park despite the comfortable scoreline.
“I want to thank God for the three points; it was not easy getting them. What I’m also grateful for is that the team executed the game very well. We had it in mind that we want to play a high line so that we can attack with counters and fast breaks,” he said.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that Mayisela had to step in for the sides’ Head Coach, Friday Myeni, who was serving a one-match ban as he was shown a red card in their previous fixture.
On the other hand, Royal Leopard’s Assistance Coach, Mfandzile ‘Fash’ Dlamini spoke on behalf of the Head Coach, Edwin Matsebula, where Dlamini said their game plan went well but our concern was not conceding early but we were unfortunate. It’s like there is something that has been which allows our opponents to get a goal first,” expressed Dlamini.
He continued that these types of goals, they have them chasing the deficit, which ultimately sees them dropping points as well as take them out of their game plan.
“We got good chances but God is not on our side but I’m optimistic that we will bounce back, that much I know. Its not like we lose because we aren’t able to play, we are playing well but for a goal to kiss the net, still none,” continued the assistant gaffer.
He further shared that they had issues with some decisions the referee made, where he believed his side was robbed two penalties, which he said they should have at least been awarded and if they miss they miss having taken the chance.
“We have talked too many times with the players trying to give them hope and still we haven’t lost faith and hope. We are still going to go back and tell them to keep fighting,” he added.
Manzini Sea Birds fans in jubilation after their side secured a 2-0 victory over Royal Leopard. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)