Bucks lose to Uthongathi

A goal by Mpho Erasmus was not enough to ensure that Mthatha Bucks bounce back in their National First Division campaign when they lost 2-1 to Uthongathi at the Mthatha Stadium over the weekend.

Bucks were coming out of a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Ubuntu Cape Town at the Athlone Stadium last week, and they needed this game to help bring back their confidence as they only have six games left in the NFD league.

Even so, Erasmus said they were down, but they were not yet out the race to maintain their status in the league.

He said they could have fought harder for a win as everything favoured Bucks, from homeground advantage to the start of the game.

“The game was not hard for us, because I scored within 10 minutes of the first half and about 25 minutes we never looked like we could lose the game.

“But then Uthongathi equalised before half-time, and they also came back in the second half and got their winning goal,” said Erasmus.

Bucks’ leading goal-scorer said they were hoping to make a statement with this game and steal maximum points.

Bucks remain at the basement of the log, while Uthongathi have climbed to 13th position with 26 points.

“This doesn’t put us in a good position, because they had 23 points. We are on 20 , so we knew we had to beat them, especially since we were playing at home. But unfortunately things didn’t go our way.”

Erasmus said the worst thing about this undesired result was the disappointment he saw in their fans.

“Football-lovers and the club’s fans in Mthatha always come out to support us when we play, and it pains me when I leave the stadium to see pain written on their faces.

“So I think we as players need to own up and pick up our socks and fight for each other on the pitch. Because we still have a good chance to get out of the relegation zone.

“Hence I’m saying we are down but not yet out, because there’s a difference between people that are out. We just need to work hard.”