Future Tigers caretaker coach Vuyo “George” Tyelo admits things didn’t go their way in the ABC Motsepe League this season, but after finishing in the top six, he’s sure the Ginsberg side will bounce back and might win the league next season.
Tyelo said this past season, which was won by Tornado, was very tough for them because of obvious reasons.
“When the season began we were preparing to fight for the league title, because we were the runners-up [2016-17 season] after losing out to EC Bees.
“We decided to go hard even this season, but unfortunately we had changes to the technical team and in the squad as well.
“We had Asanda Mvalo [former coach] and former Bush Bucks goalkeeper Vusumzi Yashe – those are former professional players and they knew their soccer.”
He added: “But our campaign didn’t start well when we played in Bizana, even though the performance was good. It was just not bearing the desired results.”
Having to wait for playing cards was another stumbling block, according to Tyelo, but he said that was not an excuse, as other teams also had a similar issue.
“The season continued. We looked like we were finding our feet because we were starting to win away games.
“But then things quickly changed once we lost to Tornado at North End Stadium.
“I think they beat us 5-1, and I think losing with such a high score had its own impact on the team. Although we continued to march ahead because we didn’t want to go down without a fight.”
Tyelo said losing most of their talented players in the second round was a setback for the Ginsberg outfit.
“We lost one of our most instrumental wingers. Zithulele ‘Alla’ Mhlontlo got signed by University of Pretoria.
“Scouts from AmaTuks heard about ‘Alla’ and they went to watch him in Mount Ayliff, all the way from Pretoria.
“Even during our recess in December ‘Alla’ went to trials at Tuks and they signed him in January, and he played for them immediately.”
Tyelo said things turned from bad to worse when they lost at home for the first time to Lion City, who closed the season at 12th spot with 26 points.
“As much they didn’t do well this season we always struggled against them, but during that game we had more chances compared to them.
“And I think after that loss things went sideways, coaches left and more players left the team.”
Right-back Masixole “Rocky” Loli, Amandla “Amigo” Mrwebi, and former Mthatha Bucks player Ruan Xundu jumped ship to join National First Division hopefuls Tornado, who were leading the pack as they were constantly winning in the league.
“Players were beginning to see that we weren’t going to win the league so they asked to be released and there was nothing wrong with that – because management understood where they were coming from.
“And we wish them good luck with the playoffs as we are fully behind our representatives there, Tornado.
“We also had about five players from KwaZulu-Natal, and they also didn’t come back.”
Tyelo said the club’s management was still to sit down and work out a plan for next season, but they were surely going to come back stronger in the league that will have tough competition, like Mthatha Bucks and EC Bees and PE Stars all vying for the title...