Gallants coach on Yanga’s biggest strength after Confed Cup exit

Marumo Gallants coach Raymond Mdaka has outlined Yanga’s biggest strength after the Tanzanian giants beat Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Gallants bowed out of the competition on Wednesday 17 May after suffering a 2-1 loss at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in the semi-final, second leg.

The first leg had initially ended in a 2-0 defeat. Therefore the DStv Premiership side lost 4-1 on aggregate.

According to Mdaka, the Tanzanian champions are a well-organised team that doesn’t lose their shape and structure in every aspect of the match, be it attacking or under pressure.

RAYMOND MDAKA ON YANGA’S STRENGTH

“As much as they studied us, they are a team that got structure,” said Mdaka.

 “They don’t lose their shape, as much as you attack them, they keep their shape.”

MARUMO GALLANTS’ DIFFICULTIES IN THE CONFEDERATION CUP

Mdaka further stated the difficulties they faced as a team during their campaign around the continent.

The unforgettable incident was when two of their technical staff members were held hostage in Algeria over some amount of money owed to a hotel owner.

“It’s very difficult to be honest. But we able to manage especially for a team that doesn’t have the sources like ours.

“It becomes difficult in areas of administration and in areas of travelling. Most of the times we travel with 16, 18 players,” he added.

With the continental campaign over, the Polokwane side turn their focus to the league. Gallants who are in the relegation zone may drop to the Motsepe Foundation Championship if they fail to win their last league match.

Gallants are 15th on the log standings, at par with bottom side Chippa United. The duo have amassed 29 points respectively. They are a point behind 14th placed Maritzburg United who have played all their matches.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa will travel to Dobsonville Stadium to face Swallows FC, whilst Chippa host Golden Arrows at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Both matches on Saturday 20 May kickoff at 3pm.

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