Embattled Mthatha Bucks suffered yet another defeat after they were hammered 4-1 by struggling Ubuntu CT at the Mthatha Stadium over the weekend.
Ubuntu registered their first win this season against the Amathol’mnyama. The Cape Town-based outfit has drawn six games and lost five and now have nine points following their win as they are at the bottom of the National First Division log.
Meanwhile, Bucks have remained at 11th position and they were still sitting on 13 points. Amathol’mnyama have won only three games in twelve matches played so far, and drawn four times, making this their fifth loss this season.
Bucks needed the win as it would have elevated them to tenth position on the log and their assistant coach Sibusiso Mapompo thinks their players lacked motivation in the field even though they might seem hungry in the change rooms.
“The first half was exactly the way we anticipated and planned, that they would come and play on the counter attack, and they did exactly that. And that’s how we conceded, just like we always concede.
“Again we lost concentration. At the back we were not focusing, because our opponents were unmarked.”
Bucks tried to play three at the back, Shane Thompson, Bongani “BK” Kama and Mashale Rantabane so they maintain order but that didn’t bear the desired intentions instead they continued to concede.
“After 30 minutes we shuffled things around and we went to the back four but still we conceded. This is not about the tactical ability of players, it’s about the heart to win, determination and the pride of wearing the badge of the club.
“Now the fighting spirit is just not there in the players.
“Because I can sit here and try to defend this result, but at the end of the day it’s players that have to fight for the fans and give their best for the team because the stadium was full.”
Mapompo said the players needed to change and start fighting their battles and think about the fans, because it was likely that following this result they would start being inquisitive about the players’ happiness at the club.
“This leaves me with a broken heart you know, because they can’t stand pressure because they can’t even hold the ball, and I really don’t know how to explain this.
“I’ve been hearing people asking what’s happening to their club because they wanna know what’s going on with the players.
“Some will even ask if the players are well treated or not.
“But at the end of the day, even if you as a player you’re not treated well, you are not representing the management that is not treating you well, but people of this province, your family, because you are working for them.
“So if players go in the field and don’t give their best they are killing themselves, because if a team goes back to ABC how will you provide for your family.
“How will you give opportunities to young kids who aspire to play for the team, and that’s what hurts me the most.”
The Bucks mentor said they sit with their players during the week and they might look like they are motivated enough and ready to perfom.
“But then you get an unknown team from Cape Town that’s at the bottom of the log struggling, but they are beating us like that.
“That team ran the whole 90 minutes, but we just crumbled.”
Amathol’amnyama will now turn their attention to Mbombela United, who occupy fourth position on the log.
Fans not happy as Bucks pay heavy price for lapse of focus
Ubuntu registered their first win this season against the Amathol’mnyama. The Cape Town-based outfit has drawn six games and lost five and now have nine points following their win as they are at the bottom of the National First Division log.
Meanwhile, Bucks have remained at 11th position and they were still sitting on 13 points. Amathol’mnyama have won only three games in twelve matches played so far, and drawn four times, making this their fifth loss this season.
Bucks needed the win as it would have elevated them to tenth position on the log and their assistant coach Sibusiso Mapompo thinks their players lacked motivation in the field even though they might seem hungry in the change rooms.
“The first half was exactly the way we anticipated and planned, that they would come and play on the counter attack, and they did exactly that. And that’s how we conceded, just like we always concede.
“Again we lost concentration. At the back we were not focusing, because our opponents were unmarked.”
Bucks tried to play three at the back, Shane Thompson, Bongani “BK” Kama and Mashale Rantabane so they maintain order but that didn’t bear the desired intentions instead they continued to concede.
“After 30 minutes we shuffled things around and we went to the back four but still we conceded. This is not about the tactical ability of players, it’s about the heart to win, determination and the pride of wearing the badge of the club.
“Now the fighting spirit is just not there in the players.
“Because I can sit here and try to defend this result, but at the end of the day it’s players that have to fight for the fans and give their best for the team because the stadium was full.”
Mapompo said the players needed to change and start fighting their battles and think about the fans, because it was likely that following this result they would start being inquisitive about the players’ happiness at the club.
“This leaves me with a broken heart you know, because they can’t stand pressure because they can’t even hold the ball, and I really don’t know how to explain this.
“I’ve been hearing people asking what’s happening to their club because they wanna know what’s going on with the players.
“Some will even ask if the players are well treated or not.
“But at the end of the day, even if you as a player you’re not treated well, you are not representing the management that is not treating you well, but people of this province, your family, because you are working for them.
“So if players go in the field and don’t give their best they are killing themselves, because if a team goes back to ABC how will you provide for your family.
“How will you give opportunities to young kids who aspire to play for the team, and that’s what hurts me the most.”
The Bucks mentor said they sit with their players during the week and they might look like they are motivated enough and ready to perfom.
“But then you get an unknown team from Cape Town that’s at the bottom of the log struggling, but they are beating us like that.
“That team ran the whole 90 minutes, but we just crumbled.”
Amathol’amnyama will now turn their attention to Mbombela United, who occupy fourth position on the log.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos