Springs Tigers U9s suffered a 3-1 defeat to Titans from Alberton on June 7 at Selpark Primary School’s sports ground, in an exciting encounter that saw both sides display good energy and commitment.

Tigers’ Mohau Mazibuko scored the opener for his team, allowing them to lead at the end of the first half.

Titans returned guns blazing in the second half, as Jayden Pretorius scored an equaliser. Titans’ Santiago Rebelo scored a second goal for his team, leaving the visitors in the lead.

Before the final whistle, Pretorius scored again, allowing them to walk away with three points and still lead the division.

Speaking after the game, Tigers’ coach Magasila Nzimande said that, despite the result, his team played well.

“There are just a few things that we just need to brush on. But the boys gave it a good game.

“We scored first, but sometimes when it’s not your day, it’s not your day. They had a good team as well, but we were quite competitive,” said the coach

Despite facing a team at the top of the log, Nzimande shared that the boys showed resilience and belief throughout the encounter.

The coach praised the players’ effort and commitment, noting that development remains the main priority at this stage.

“I can say the boys are still developing. They need to be reminded of things now and then, but overall the boys played well.”

Looking ahead, the focus will be on improving key defensive and tactical areas, particularly marking and decision-making.

“We need to focus on defence. We need a strategy for defending when we are facing the ball, and for attacking as well. We need to make sure that we make use of those opportunities.”

Titans coach Lebo Maile has praised his side’s performance and discipline that highlighted both skill and sportsmanship.

Maile said his team had to work hard for the win, noting that the opposition put them under real pressure throughout the match.

“They played well. I feel the opposition was also very strong. They were pushing. They were really pushing.

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“It’s just unfortunate that the result didn’t go according to the way the opposition wanted. But it happened. It’s football,” said the Titans’ coach.

Despite the competitive nature of the game, he was pleased with how both teams conducted themselves on the field. Looking at preparation, Maile explained that training had focused heavily on improving attacking output in the penalty area.

“I was looking at more shooting. I was trying to work on shooting as much as I can to try and score as many goals as we can,” he said.

Looking ahead, he said he intends to rotate his squad and give players opportunities in different positions.

“Shuffling around, trying players in different positions because it’s not fair. I don’t want players to stick to one position and know that they only play one position,” concluded Maile.