Tsakani – Abaqilazi FC recently faced Amabutho in a heated soccer match at Malandela Ground in the Tsakane Top 8 Tournament.

The two teams played defensively, with neither team willing to back down. The coaches described the game as captivating, saying it was a tough one to play.

Amabutho coach Thabang Mvelase praised his team for playing well and displaying the will to win. He explained that the first half was difficult for his team, saying they started the game with too few players.

“We wanted to win; hence, we created goal-scoring opportunities and managed to score our first goal in the first half.

“We tried to change the game to play in our favour, but our opponents managed to defend their position in the game.

“This made the game very slow for us,” explained Mvelase.

He added that they tried to change the game in the second half and equalised at 2–2. He explained that dedication and hard work got them this far.

“We love playing to win and we tried our best. Although we did not win this game, I remain thankful that my players always try their best,” he said.

Opposition coach Sibusiso Radebe said his team did not have their heads in the game when it started, and that they lacked competitiveness.

“We tried to improve the game by using tactical passes, maintaining good communication, and by readjusting our mistakes.

“In the second half, our mistake was in the centre of the field. We tried to motivate our centre players to pass the ball more to the wingers to create crosses into the net.

“Going forward, as a team, we need to have good momentum and try to get along,” he said.

The game ended in a 2–2 draw before Abaqilazi FC won 3–2 on penalties. Radebe expressed gratitude towards winning the game.

“I am quite happy with the results; my players are improving. Their last game was quite disappointing,” he added.