The Multichoice Diski Challenge got underway for us today as we took on Kaizer Chiefs at Hammersdale Stadium.
With a game that saw both sides creating chances early on in the first half, but failing to capitalise on them, it ended in a game filled with drama as we finished off the last 10 minutes a man short.
The playing conditions were not optimal at the stadium today. The long grass on the field meant that the ball did not carry well and slowed down a lot off the boot.
We created a number of chances to score, but our decision making in the last third and finishing was poor this afternoon.
Taking all of this into consideration, the turning point of the game was when Conco failed to convert a penalty awarded after Khwela was taken down just inside the box.
He placed the ball and took his shot. Mbuva made the save, but he looked off his line and at this stage the frustration of the players started to boil.
Shortly after this, The Glamour Boys managed to play a quick counter move, get positioned well and Lekoatsa took a shot that found the back of the net.
The frustration got the better of Kaleb Parusnath who was booked for dissent after voicing his opinion after a Chiefs player went down as a time wasting tactic.
This compounded our fight and made it more difficult to get back into the last third while needing to close gaps in the field.
We were not able to find an equaliser and after 5 minutes of additional play, succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Amakhosi.
There were however a number of positives to take from the game. There were stellar performances from some players who made their debut today Samkelo Mgwazela, Thandokwakhe Hlabisa, N.Dube did well on the ball, looking to create scoring chances, Siphamandla Nzuza had a solid defensive game, Tshanini also did well to read play well and move the ball.
It will be back to the drawing board for Coaches as they prepare for the match against Orlando Pirates on the 16th of September.
We would like to thank all supporters who attended the Festival today. It was encouraging to see the numbers in the stadium, and we are sure that in the seasons to come, Hammersdale Stadium will be visited once again.
