COACH ERNST ENCOURAGED BY RENEWED ‘ENERGY AND DYNAMIC
7 March 2021
Maritzburg United head coach Ernst Middendorp has been pleased by the positive response from his charges over the past few games.
The Team of Choice suffered a disappointing league defeat to TTM two weeks ago and were also knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by Orlando Pirates.
The last week however has yielded four points after United beat Black Leopards 1-0 at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday before earning a 1-1 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Saturday.
"We had a lot of chats, individually, in groups, after we lost to TTM. I think its very crucial to see that we have another energy, another dynamic on the field - from each and everybody, contributing to a team performance” coach Ernst explained.
“And with picking up four points, its a good start. But the next game is coming on Wednesday (at home against Kaizer Chiefs) and we have to make points again.”
Determined to climb up the standings, its a case of trying to win every game, although at the end of the season, every point accumulated may be crucial.
“For us it's a point with huge value, with the fight over 90 minutes, definitely not a football game that you would like to see again and again,” Middendorp said of the draw against Phunya Sele Sele.
“But in the moment its all about picking up points. Leading one-zero, I thought there were some moments where we could have done more on our counter, but the finish, the final shot, the final action, into the final third [was missing].
"After conceding a goal when we were a little bit shaky,” he said of Celtic equaliser midway through the second half, following Thabiso Kutumela’s opener shortly before the break.
“On the other side we have to realise Kwanda [Mngonyama] is not around, Travis Graham is not around, Nazeer Allie not around, Dusan [Stevic] will probably be available next week.
"Four, five experienced players mainly in a deeper defensive position are not around. Young players do the job. It was a valuable point, no doubt about it."
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