Michaelson Ntokozo Gumede

By Ntokozo Gumede

Journalist


Pitso praises Celtic caretaker coach Seema

Mosimane said he had prepared his side to capitalise on Phunya Sele Sele's shortcomings, but was unable to as Celtic's brainstrust came up with a different game plan.


After what was a frustrating goalless draw between Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday, Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane praised Lehlohonolo Seema for the way they rectified the mistakes they made in the recent Free State derby against Free State Stars where they lost 3-2.

Mosimane said he had prepared his side to capitalise on Phunya Sele Sele’s shortcomings, but was unable to as Celtic’s brainstrust came up with a different game plan.

“They defended better than their last game and it means their coach is good. They worked very hard on the mistakes and we couldn’t get the chances because they corrected them.

“They played higher up against Free State Stars, that is why they were punished, but against us they played deeper which made it more difficult for us,” said Mosimane.

Masandawana still remain at the top of the Absa Premiership standings, only a single point ahead of rivals Orlando Pirates. Mosimane pointed a finger at his own strikers for lacking the sting in front of goal but says this is the kind of stress that comes with chasing the title.

“We need to believe, keep trying and make chances but we must convert them because when the times are like this, we must take opportunities, if we don’t take them it creates a little bit of pressure and stress. We create so many chances but we never take them. But this is the kind of stress when you go towards the finish line,” he said.

The former Bafana Bafana coach was unhappy with referee Daniel Bennett’s officiating and says he will forever speak out when he feels hard done by.

“I am happy to be wrong but I will talk, there is nothing wrong with that. Football is my life and journey and I have invested a lot of emotions from my days as a youngster to where I am and today I must be polite and play nice guy?

“No, I say it the way it is. I spent all my hours working hard on this thing. Must I try and behave like a gentleman and not talk about it? No, I will talk about it.”

 

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.