Marumo Gallants’ coach Phuti Mohafe felt the need to apologise for his team’s performance on Friday as they lost to Stellenbosch, but in the end, also praised his players.
Gallants were beaten 3-1 at the Athlone Stadium in the second fixture of their Betway Premiership season, grabbing a consolation goal after being 3-0 down inside the first hour.
“First and foremost, I would like to say apologies to Marumo Gallants for the heavy loss. The way we lost it, it wasn't supposed to be, it’s so uncalled for,” Mohafe said.
“We gave away two easy goals, and we gave away those goals against the run of play. So it wasn't good enough for our standards. And that's why I'm saying we have to apologise to the hierarchy of the team, and I take full responsibility for that.
“Had we managed to defend well and not to concede those silly mistakes, we could be speaking something else right now. But in the first half, we didn't play that well. We recovered after we made the substitutions, especially bringing (Edgar) Manaka as the solo No 6 and playing with double No 10s.
“I think that is where we started to manage the match, but it was so unfortunate, again, to concede the third goal, leaving us to chase the game. But I think I should give the boys credit for the last 30 minutes. That is where we played well. But the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second half, we were nowhere to be seen,” Mohafe added.
Gallants now have a quick turnaround as they will take on Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria on Wednesday. The match was postponed from the opening weekend of the season at the beginning of the month.