02 Mar 2025

VTM assistant coach Otlaantshekela Mooketsi says they should go back to the drawing board and prepare for the next match with the aim of collecting much needed points.

In an interview after VTM’s 3-1 loss to Chadibe FC in an FNB Premiership encounter played at the VTM Arena yesterday, Mooketsi said the boys did not deliver as per the instruction. He said they were warned about the long balls approach and aerial strength from Chadibe which led to the first goal.

Chadibe Tok the lead in the 27th minute through Ali Zubair who found the net from outside the 18 yards area. After recess substitute Godiramang Difedile found the back of the net in the 77th minute, and not long thereafter in the 81st minute, another substitute, Tshepo Molefe scored the third goal for the visitors.

Bafana ba Dijabane scored a consolation goal through Kalonji Bonheur a few minutes before full time, but was late to help them salvage anything from the match.

They remain on position 12 with 20 points from 21 matches, while despite the victory Chadibe also remain in the relegation zone on position 15 with 14 points from 21 matches.

Mooketsi said they started playing under pressure after the visitors took the lead and the boys lost concentration and began to make mistakes which led to the loss.

He said they told the boys during recess to guard against their opponents long balls and regroup quickly to deal with any attack. He said the second half was much better as they brought in fresh legs in the likes of Cebo Meyiwa, Xolani Mmolawa and Ronald Moipolai who brought a spark to the game.

But, he said, that failed to bring the needed energy to score despite several goal chances they created, pointing that sloppy mistakes from their defence led to unnecessary goals that gave Chadibe two more goals in the second half.

Chadibe coach Blessing Moyo said they were happy with the results as they needed the points to move away from the relegation zone.

He said the team played according to plan and managed to execute the counter attack very well. The coach further said he believed they were putting enough effort to avoid relegation and was very happy with his charges as they pressured VTM FC to secure the three points.

He said they were prepared for the remaining games, and would play every game as if it was a cup final to avoid relegation at all costs. Moyo said he believed his boys had the mental strength to deliver desired results following their victory at the VTM Arena. ENDS