Sekhukhune United coach Brandon Truter was gutted to have lost to Kaizer Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, citing individual mistakes and a lack of concentration at the back.
Babino Noko had taken the lead in the first half through Elias Mokwana, but made an error when trying to play from the back and Chiefs cut through the pressing traps and Ashley Du Preez’s vicious shot was met with a diving header by Edson Castillo for an equaliser by Amakhosi.
Chiefs then came to life and deservedly got the second, with Sekhukhune again failing to clear a recycled set play by Reeve Frosler, leaving unmarked Edmilson Dove to generate power to head in.
It was gut wrenching for coach Truter at the press conference as this was the first time he had lost to Chiefs in his coaching career in the top flight, having done the double over them last term with Sekhukhune.
“We have led in certain games but it is something to look into but there was one lapse of concentration and that was the first goal,” said Truter after the game.
“The second goal, I wouldn’t say it was a concentration, its technical and tactical awareness from goalkeeper (Badra Sangare). Instead of bypassing the press, he tried to go through two players. It was a big risk and they punished us and it is something to improve on.
“As a coach, you want to improve all the time and we will definitely get better.”
If Chibuike Ohizu is not getting the goals, Sekhukhune appears to struggle to find someone else. Although Ohizu set up Mokwana to riffle to see Babino Noko go ahead, that was only his contribution in the game before he was hauled off.
But the heavy reliance on the Nigerian international to score might be a thing of the past. Sekhukhune are close to signing Ghanaian striker Michael Sarpong and the 27-year-old is waiting for the paperwork to be finalised.
“Up front, we are waiting to get Michael Sarpong’s deal over the line to assist us in the front line and hopefully we will turn the chances we create game by game into goals,” said Truter.
“He will be more formidable. But like I said, it is a bit emotional because I think we deserve something more from this game. But I’m proud of the boys even though not at our best but we managed to go toe to toe with them.”
Truter now turns his focus as Sekhukhune hopes to avoid a 2-0 defeat to Dr Congo side Saint Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Confederation Cup second leg preliminary round of Sunday, having won the first leg 3-1 at home.
