Sihlangu performance against Botswana poor

SOCCER – SIHLANGU dished out a disappointing performance in their 0-1 defeat to Botswana in the COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup match yesterday.
The squad looked slow in their build-ups and hardly threatened to score against a Botswana side that relied much on counter attacks. Below is how the Sihlangu players  rated for their performances in this game. Rating is out of 10.

Thokozani Mkhulisi
Looked suspect in dealing with crosses and partly to blame for the goal as he failed to stop the corner-kick, with the ball eventually landing on the head of Tshekiso for the deciding goal of the match. Not at his usual best in this game.  4/10

Lwazi ‘Shana’ Maziya
Had a nightmare game. Looked slow and struggled to contain the ever-dangerous Moloi, who made a mockery of him with his ball-juggling skills. Complained of muscle-pull mid-way through the first half and was replaced by CJ Dlamini. The pace of the game was just too much for him. 1/10

Raphael Ntimane
An improved performance than in the first game. Tried to do his trademark overlapping but his final ball still left a lot to be desired. 5/10

Sihawu Dlamini
Another solid performance from the Royal Leopards’ defender. Made timely tackles and tried to move forward to assist in attacking. Had a good game overall. 6/10

Zakhele Manyatsi
Undoubtedly the best player on the field for Sihlangu. His timing and tackles were spot-on and dictated every move for the squad. A very consistent performance from the lanky defender. 8/10

Stopper Mthethwa
A below-par performance than in the first game. Looked slower this time and played more defensively hence Sihlangu could not outnumber the opposition when attacking. 5/10

Mzwandile Ndzimandze
Tried his best to run at the opposition defence but lack of experience was his major let-down. Over-did things at times, ending up giving away possession. Failed to use his lightning pace to his advantage this time around but still a bright prospect for the squad. 4/10

Mathokoza Thwala
Played in an unfamiliar position and it showed as he failed to play his normal game. He does damage on the wings and struggled to play in the middle of the park, where he was placed this time around. Eventually shifted to his favourite position after the introduction of Malungisa Dlamini but it was too late for him to make an impact. 5/10

Mfanzile ‘Fash’ Dlamini
A pale shadow of the player that stole the hearts of the Zimbabweans in the first game. Looked disinterested in the field of the play and his normally accurate passes and body swerves deserted him this time around. Was lucky to last the full 90 minutes of play. 3/10

Sabelo Hlatjwako
This young man has a heart of a lion. Worked his socks off and tried to make things happen for the squad upfront but lacked proper support. Quickly establishing himself in the squad. 6/10

Welile Maseko
A surprise inclusion in the starting line-up, the Green Mamba striker spent most of the time defending than attacking.

SUBSTITUTES
CJ Dlamini – Came in for ‘Shana’ and played much better than in the first game. Kept a close watch on Moloi and moved forward when the opportunity presented itself. A definite starter in the game against Comoros. 5/10

Malungisa Dlamini – A small wonder why he started the game on the bench as his introduction brought direction in the squad’s play. Must start against Comoros. 5/10

Ndoda Mthethwa – Came in for Welile and looked lively with his off-the-ball runs. Needs to start the game against Comoros. 5/10