Dubula unhappy with defence after Nico stalemate
Chakalisa Dube | Tuesday October 7, 2014 12:45
Chiefs’ poor defending twice allowed Nico back into the match.
“I am particularly happy with my team’s attack but my defence has not been that convincing in recent matches. My main focus will be to bring in a few defenders to strengthen the team in January if our defending does not improve,” Sithole said in an interview following Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Nico United in the be MOBILE Premier League.
“Defending is very critical if we are to win the league this season,” said Sithole.
Sithole said his defence, which is relatively new, is still gelling, which justifies mistakes created at the back.
He also said that a few of his defenders among them Ontse Ntesa are nursing injuries and this compounds problems for the team at the back.
Sithole did not have kind words for referee Keabetswe Dintwa following controversial decisions in favour of Nico.
Chiefs supporters were equally angered by Dintwa’s decisions.
An unhappy Dubula Dubula, however said he would not want to talk much about the referee.
“It will appear as if I am making excuses for not winning the match,” he said.
Meanwhile Nico coach, Kenneth Mogae said that he is on track of getting his target of 45 percent of the 45 points available on offer in the first round.
“When the season started my target was to get 55 percent or 50 percent of the 45 points on offer in the first round but having lost a few games early in the season, the target remains unrealistic which is why I have reduced the target to 45 percent”.
Mogae is also not convinced with his team’s defending of set pieces as well as lack of scoring goals.
“Based on the chances we created, we could have won against Chiefs. We have been missing many chances in almost all matches we have played and conceding from free kicks, crosses and corners.
“We are working on these shortcomings and hopeful things will change for the better soon,” he said.
Decidedly, Nico conceded two goals from corners against Chiefs on Saturday. Again, their failure to deal with an innocent cross the previous week, led to their loss against Motlakase in the dying minutes of the match.
The draw maintained Mogae’s good record against Chiefs. He has never lost against Chiefs in a competitive match even when he was still coach of the defunct Premier League side, Boteti Young Fighters.
Last season is his maiden season at Nico, Mogae guided Majombolo to a 2-1 victory against Magosi.
“I always prepare well against Chiefs and I am glad that to date that my game plans against them always work to perfection,” Mogae said.