NEWS
Masutha blames forced changes for derby loss
Black Leopards head coach Joel Masutha had his excuses ready-made for a 3-0 away defeat to Polokwane City in the Motsepe Foundation Championship Limpopo derby, blaming Lidoda Duvha’s injury woes as a major factor for their loss on Saturday afternoon.
This became the Vhembe-based outfit’s second successive defeat of the season under the leadership of the well-travelled mentor, Masutha.
The coach stated that they came into Saturday’s match without three of their Under-23 players who played a significant role in their 1-0 loss to Hungry Lions last week.
As Masutha complained about his lack of resources, he made it clear that the senior players need to pull up their socks and make a difference in the absence of the ruled-out young players.
“I think we have a solid squad you know. It’s just that most of the changes that we made from the first match to this one were forced changes. We lost three Under-23 players who gave us a lot in the previous game,” Masutha told journalists at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium after the game.
“So, the rules say we need to have two in the starting line-up and three on the bench. We had to do with that and I think it affected us a bit but at the same time we have experienced players who need to come to the party and make up for the loss of those young ones.”
When asked how he is planning to turn their fortunes around before it is too late, he said: “Introspection is the best way.
“We also need to understand that as much as we did well towards the end of the last season, it has got no bearing on the new campaign. Teams have reinforced and games are coming in thick and fast.
“I think it’s just about us applying ourselves properly. Like in the first half, we had some chances but you know when you are not at your level best then you end up even making easy mistakes and missing easy clear-cut opportunities, and allowing your opponents the chance to score.”
As things stand, Masutha’s side is languishing at the basement of the log standings after two outings with nothing to show off.
Leopards will play their next league match on Wednesday, 14 September against La Masia at home. The kick-off is at 15:00.
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