Blue Birds’ coach eyes bigger goal, despite current challenges
Despite a string of draws and a single loss, Blue Birds Development FC is not chasing points, they are building a future.
Over the past few games, since the beginning of October, Blue Birds Ladies Development FC has been marred by a spate of draws and a single loss, signalling their continued struggle to secure maximum points.
Read more: Lovey plans to play soccer until he makes it to pro
However, their goal is much bigger than just collecting points, at least according to the team’s coach Katlego Malaka. He said their main objective is to develop players in the women’s regional league to strengthen their senior team, competing in the Sasol League, a process that could take two more seasons to achieve. “We are one of the few teams in this regional league playing with under 16s. The oldest player is 17 years old. So, we are trying to groom these players to go and beef up our Sasol team. Let us give them two more seasons, and I think one or two players will be promoted to the senior team.”
Also read: New soccer competition for Alex schools launches
He noted that most of the players in the development team had never played professional 11-a-side football, having only been exposed to six-a-side and seven-a-side formats. He said his players are still learning the rules of the game. “The plan is to build them tactically so that they can improve. We are not too worried about their fitness, but they must still get used to playing against more aggressive teams.”
On the weekend of October 4 and 5, the Blue Birds conceded seven goals. First, it was a 5–4 loss to Electrical Ladies FC on Saturday, followed by a 2–2 draw with United Ladies FC on Sunday. They also drew 1–1 with DZ Movers FC on October 11 at the Alex Safe Hub.
Malaka said the recent draw against DZ Movers signalled defensive progress, as they conceded fewer goals compared to earlier matches. “We conceded one. This, at least, shows that we were defensively organised and had shape. In the first half, our tactical application was much better than in the previous games.”
As the season edges close to an end, the Blue Birds remain undeterred by any challenges. Their goal is clear: To develop players for the senior team. Malaka maintains that the improvement is visible.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!
