The team took all three points back to Benoni with a 2-0 victory in their ELFA Super League encounter, but are still not quite yet playing to their coach’s high standards.
“It was difficult out there,” said van den Berg.
“The outfield was not conducive to good football as it was bumpy and dry, but we managed to get through and get the goals.”
Such were the conditions of the Edenvale pitch that skipper Wade Marshall (twisted ankle) and Brandan Sheasby (twisted knee) sustained injuries on the day which will be worrisome for the coach as he looks ahead to upcoming matches.
BNFC’s two goals came from in-form teenager Kwanda Sokutu and Ernest Makalaka.
“The players are still getting used to the new system since the departure of Brogan Shrimpton to the States and there is still a lot of trial and error going on at this stage.
“Momentum is, however, on our side and there is plenty of confidence out there.
“We played poorly, but got the victory.”
He praised goalkeeper Colte Smit for another good display between the poles for Northerns.
With news filtering through that arch-rivals and neighbours Old Bens managed to overcome defending champions Randburg on the same day, van den Berg knows that there is still a lot of work to be done as the famous Benoni football derby looms on Saturday, May 21 at Northern Areas.
The team was scheduled to play a home fixture against Germiston on Freedom Day, April 27 followed by an away date with Highlands Park on Saturday, April 30.
• The club’s reserve side achieved a 2-1 win over Edenvale on the same day.
