Masutha left to rue missed chances as Tuks win Pretoria derby

Pretoria Callies allowed their neighbours University of Pretoria to come back from a goal behind and snatch a win in their GladAfrica Championship match at the weekend.

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The result left Callies coach Joel Masutha defeated as he felt they did everything they could to win the match under the circumstances but it was not to be.  

The win catapulted AmaTuks to second position while the Romans remain outside of the chasing pack in 11th position with 13 points off 12 games. 

“We did everything we could to win the match. We played very well. I can’t blame anyone,” said Masutha after the match on Sunday. 

“We played an awkward opponent, they threw everything into the air. In the first half we managed to deal with the javelins they threw, but in the second we could not deal with the javelin football they played.

“Although we had a plan on how to deal with that, sometimes you feel that it drains a lot of energy. You could see even their own players were also drained. 

“But at the end of the day they deserved to win the match because they scored two goals, and we scored only one. 

“We will however continue working until we get it right,” added the well-travelled mentor. 

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Edmore Chirambandare had put the Romans ahead in the first half but a brace by Luvuyo Phewa cancelled his efforts and gave AmaTuks the win.  

Another Pretoria side, JDR Stars are now in commanding position with 24 points off 12 games and have a two-point cushion over second placed AmaTuks. 

Jomo Cosmos remain rooted to the bottom of the Championship standings with a mere five points after 12 games.