Sithole moans, Zapata adapts
Kabelo Boranabi | Thursday March 24, 2016 12:35
These are the only players I have. We will have to fight.”
He said this after Chiefs drew 1-1 with Police XI to fall four points off the pace with five matches remaining.
Chiefs have only one natural striker, Onalethata Tshekiso, in the squad after Extension Gunners snatched Keaketswe Moloi while Zambian Felix Sunzu returned home after failing to secure a deal at the club. Sithole is however adamant Chiefs are still in the title race.
“It’s not over until the last game,” he said. “We will keep on fighting.”
The Kgatleng-giants have always struggled with their defence this season after former defender Charles Mutero sustained an injury, forcing midfielder Lesego Galenamotlhale to be pushed back to provide cover. In the mid-season transfer window, Chiefs signed Arnold Mampori and Thato Kebue to stabilise the defence. However, Keabatswe Jenamiso’s recent injury has added to the team’s defensive woes.
Meanwhile, Argentinean coach, Rodolfo Zapata got his Premiership coaching debut with a defeat, when Gaborone United (GU) lost 1-2 to 10-men BDF XI. Zapata said the players were responding well to his style of play. He said he was trying to blend his style with the type of football played locally.
“I have almost two months working with the team,” he said. “Even if I was not there, coach Steve (Maposa) had taken the instructions well. We need to be back to playing the African style which is beautiful short passes.”
GU are not having the best season and Zapata said he is up to the task ahead and already looking forward to the next season.
He added: “I knew that the team was not in good position when I took the job and I have to prepare them for next season. There is plenty of talent here. The problem is that there is no competitive football at a young age.”