Triple S succumb to the first loss at home
Although TS came back rejuvenated and eager to get back to the game, they could not capitalise on the opportunities they created.
Vila Development Club (VDC) collected three points in their game against Triple S.
They won 2-0 during the u-17 Katlehong Local Football Association League clash at Khumalo Sports Grounds on April 18.
VDC took the lead in the early minutes of the first half. This is after Triple S midfield was caught napping when Maku Sibeko chipped the goalkeeper to score the first goal.
The guests repeated the same move to extend their lead, courtesy of another goal by Sibeko.
Although Triple S looked like a rejuvenated side in the second half, they could not capitalise on the opportunities they created. Coach Lehlohonolo ‘Bashin’ Mokatane made changes to the team line-up in hopes of staging a comeback.
Lindokuhle ‘Lishka’ Sejame made fans get off their seats as he struck the top bar in an attempt to get his side back in the competition.
VDC team captain Thabo Sambo said they had a good start but the second half of the game was poor in comparison.
Chairperson of VDC Motseki ‘Tiger’ Khanye said his boys will learn from the game.
“They must learn to maintain their position on the field, instead of everybody moving to one side. Fortunately, our opponents were no danger to us.
“They were under more pressure in the second half and if they played with a good game plan then they could have managed to secure a draw.”
Triple S coach Lehlohonolo ‘Bashin’ Mokatane said his first-half strategy was to play with a more defensive middle, knowing that the opposition team used the middle of the park to attack.
He said they also had challenges with the late arrivals of their number 10, Lishaka, and their left-wing player who had forgotten his card at home.
“During the interval we made changes to neutralise their number 10 as he was the one who was supplying the striker with great ball,” said Mokatane.
In their four games, the team has won two, drew one and lost one.
“We are still looking at the combination of players. For me, it’s still a trial-and-fail process until I have a solid team.
“The challenge is the complacency of the boys. They thought after winning two games they had reached the panicle, forgetting that when you are on top of the table everyone is gunning for your head,” said Mokatane.
