IT WAS GOOD TO WIN AND NOW WE CAN BUILD: MIDDENDORP
14 September 2021
Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp believes there is plenty of work that lies ahead for his squad despite collecting their first win of the DStv Premiership season this past weekend.
The Team of Choice secured a 1-0 win over Baroka FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday evening, with new signing Richard Zumah netting his first goal for the club.
It was a priceless score too, considering that the KwaZulu-Natal capital club had to play most of the second half a man short after the dismissal of star Bafana Bafana forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane for a mistimed tackle.
Nonetheless, coach Ernst saw plenty of positives in the win.
"It was definitely a massive win," he said. "Three points after three games brings us to a better position now. It was crucial after we lost two games in a row. We are still settling as a team after making so many new signings during the off season."
Looking back at the game, the German tactician felt they were sound enough in defence but needed to work harder in attack.
Coach Ernst said: "It was a game where our defensive structure was changed. We worked with another formation and system, we made some adjustments after the previous results and we saw the outcome was better.
"There were a lot of positives, although we still have some way to go at this early stage of the season. We brought in a few more new faces from the beginning, there will be others who come in as well as their conditioning improves in the weeks ahead.
"We have a bit of a break now again now before our next game at home. We will work hard to be at the same defensive level and improve other areas that need work."
He did single out their 'team' mentality as the reason that carried them through following the dismissal of Hlongwane.
"It shows how a team really is a team, how they play for each other and support each other, so that was very encouraging," Coach Ernst added. "That is how our squad is, they are very understanding and supporting of each other and willing to play as a team."
The Pietermaritzburg club are next in action when they welcome Marumo Gallants to the Harry Gwala Stadium on September 22.
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