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Seema hails impact of youngsters in defeat

football29 September 2021 04:45| © Mzansi Football
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Lehlohonolo Seema © Backpagepix

Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Lehlohonolo Seema praised the performance of his younger players in the second half of their 3-0 MTN8 semifinal, second leg loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.


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Golden Arrows trailed 2-0 at halftime and were being comprehensively outplayed by The Brazilians, before Seema introduced Simo Mbhele, Sbonelo Cele and Siyabonga Khumalo early in the second period.

He says it was a moved that gave his side more of a foothold in the match and was pleased for the trio, who are all 22 years old or younger.

"We started with a team where we thought experience will put us through but we couldn't [compete],” Seema said.

“First half we couldn't even connect three or four passes. That's why at halftime we had to make subs. And I said the subs that we'll make will be inexperienced players, so that we can say the players that came in got minutes.

"And I'm happy with how the game went, especially second-half, these youngsters that came in, they took over from what the guys did in the first-half, even if we were struggling.

But second-half was a little bit better and we broke here and there, and even had a shot at goal.

"I think it's encouraging, especially for the guys that are playing for the first time. When you're coming against the quality of Mamelodi Sundowns with their bench, already we could see we did not have enough arsenal. But I must say the youngsters that came in changed the game for us.

"We're still trying to give them as much game time as we can because the league is a marathon and it's going to be a difficult one.”

Golden Arrows are next in action at home to Marumo Gallants in the DStv Premiership on Sunday and are sweating over the fitness of centre-back Nkosinathi Sibisi.

“Sunday we have a difficult one again, we have few players that have played, we'll see how it goes. Hopefully the injury of Sibisi is not that bad, but we'll see after a day or two."

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