Players lack big-match temperament - mashaba

SOCCER – SIHLANGU coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba has accused his players of lacking big-match temperament after their disappointing 0-1 defeat to Botswana in the COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup yesterday at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
In a post-match interview, Mashaba admitted that his charges were too slow and lacked the killer punch to win this game as opposed to the performance they displayed against Seychelles in the first game.
“Today, we did not play well as we lacked match temperamental because we showed no urgency in our play and got punished.
“The disappointing part is that we went on to concede a stupid goal, which unfortunately decided the outcome of this game. Credit must go to Botswana because they came with a game plan, which worked for them,” he said.
The South African-born mentor, however, refused to throw in the towel as he insisted that they still have a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals. “We still have a game to play against Comoros and anything can happen in that game.
“We just have to keep on believing that we can still make it although we now have to hope that results go in our favour in the final first round matches, which is not a good thing,” he noted.
On the other hand, Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane told journalists that he believed his team deserved to win the game, though admitting that Sihlangu made it tough for them.
“We knew that Swaziland would give us a tough game and our plan was to attack them hard in the opening minutes to get a goal.
“Although the goal came late, I’m happy that we never lost our discipline and kept it tight at the back. It’s not over yet because we still have a game to play against Seychelles and have to remain focused,” he warned.
He conceded though that his team was now in a greater position to qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament if they get a win in their last game.
Meanwhile, Mashaba said he was committed to Sihlangu despite reports that Bafana Bafana supporters in South Africa were calling for him to replace Brazilian Joel Santana, who was fired as coach on Monday.
He said he was happy with his job at Sihlangu and would see out his contract. He also indicated that he was flattered by reports that some South Africans wanted him for the Bafana Bafana job but is happy at Sihlangu for now.

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