Blue Birds’ draw against DZ Movers signals improvement
Blue Birds coach Katlego Malaka says the Saturday results in a match against DZ Movers FC shows his team’s defensive growth and tactical grit.
Blue Birds Ladies Development FC coach Katlego Malaka believes his side’s 1–1 draw against DZ Movers FC marks a step forward for the team.
The two sides met on Saturday at the Alex Safe Hub in a SAFA Johannesburg Football Association women’s regional league clash. DZ Movers is currently second in the log.
Malaka pointed to his team’s improved defensive structure as a key takeaway.
“Today we conceded one. This, at least, shows that we were defensively organised, and we had shape.”
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The draw comes after a tough previous weekend, where Blue Birds conceded seven goals across two matches, a 5–4 loss to Electrical Ladies FC on Saturday, followed by a 2–2 draw with United Ladies FC on Sunday.
Despite limited training during the week, Malaka said the team showed better tactical discipline. “In the first half, our tactical application was much better than the previous games we played. We had more chances to wrap up the game during the first half.”
Blue Birds took the lead in the first half but struggled to extend their advantage.
Midfield challenges and a lack of attacking edge prompted Malaka to make two substitutions in the second half to bolster the frontline.
“We tried, but we didn’t give their goalkeeper much trouble.”
DZ Movers capitalised late in the game and got an equaliser just before the final whistle.
“We lost possession in the middle, and they got a chance to shoot. Unfortunately, the goalkeeper was a little out of position.”
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He attributed the late goal to a loss of endurance but maintained they did well, especially considering the previous 3–2 defeat against DZ Movers in July.
Meanwhile, DZ Movers’ coach Prudent Sibindi noted that they had expected to get maximum points to put pressure on the log leader, Diepsloot Ladies.
He admitted that luck wasn’t on their side. “It was a match of two halves. In the second half we came up strong, but luck wasn’t on our side. Eventually, we managed to score an equaliser.
“The league is gone now, even if we win all our matches, we won’t reach the first position.”
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