Sithole's suspension backfires

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Tuesday November 24, 2009 00:00

 

Sithole was suspended on Friday for what has been termed as 'professional misconduct'. In the absence of Sithole, GU were led by assistant coach Zaahid Jalaal whose tactical acumen seems wanting.

The Reds' supporters could only watch helplessly as their side was outclassed 2-0 by Chiefs. The score was not a true reflection of the game as GU could have been buried in an avalanche of goals. Chiefs opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through a quick free-kick played into the box by Dirang Moloi although Musonda Mweuka appeared to help the ball home.

Chiefs put the matter beyond reach when Othusitse 'Jabu' Pilane fired the ball into the top left corner of GU net after a brilliant pass from Mweuka.

On the day, GU were below par. With Moloi, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Mweuka and Pilane on song, the Reds did not have answers. GU started the game with three midfielders with similar play in Ntesang 'Mirror' Simanyana, Tshepo 'Schoolboy' Molefe and captain Vincent Phiri. The three are not ball winners and this gave Magosi the edge. At halftime, some GU supporters criticised Jalaal for his approach and said that it is important that the Reds' leadership solve the issue of the coach as soon as possible.

At the end of 90 minutes, Jalaal said it was always going to be difficult to motivate the players after what happened prior to the game. 'We tried to psyche them up before the game but it did not help.

They must understand such things (suspension of Sithole) happen in football. Apart from that, our marking was very poor because we were always second on the ball,' said Jalaal who has been at GU since 2007.

GU secretary Kagiso Sebele said they can never use the coach's suspension as an excuse because they failed to play on the day. 'This was our worst performance so far this season.  We have to get down to business and it is important to motivate the players ahead of the upcoming games,' he said. GU are expected to decide the fate of Sithole tomorrow and whether he will be given a lifeline remains to be seen. Already, there are unconfirmed reports that he will be fired. The next two games will be important for the Reds as they play BDF XI tomorrow night in Molepolole before visiting Extension Gunners in Lobatse on Saturday.