Coach Mhlaba’s pep talk earns his side a needed 3-1 victory
After a shaky first half and an early setback, coach Ndabezinhle Mhlaba’s halftime pep talk transformed his team's mindset and sparked their spirited comeback in the second half.
After enduring a tough first half, watching his players struggle to recover after conceding an early goal, coach Ndabezinhle Mhlaba knew something had to change, and it wasn’t the line-up; it was the players’ mindset.
Mhlaba FC recently faced Laz FC on April 6 at the 3 Square Sports Stadium, and despite Laz FC sitting 13th on the log, they proved to be no easy walkover. Within the first few minutes, Laz took the lead, leaving Mhlaba FC frustrated and chasing an equaliser that never came in the first half.
Read more: Mhlaba FC eyes Hollywoodbets Regional League spot
“It was one of the most difficult games we have ever played because we conceded early. The temper was very high, and we went into the second losing 0-1,” Mhlaba said.
During halftime, Mhlaba realised the key to winning the game was not tactical changes but calming his players and managing their tempers, which one can argue marked much of their first half. “After we spoke to the boys during halftime, we managed to fix all our mistakes. The only problem we had was temper. We did not even change the players; I only made a substitution after we scored two goals,” he shared.
That pep talk proved decisive in the second half. Mhlaba FC came back strong, securing a 3-1 victory. The win was crucial for them to keep their fight alive for the league’s top spot. Currently fourth on the log with 31 points, Mhlaba is determined to push for promotion and a taste of competing in the Hollywoodbets Regional League.
Also read: Mhlaba FC eyes top spot after fierce start to league season
More importantly, the victory ensured they stayed ahead of LRC FC and Western Boys FC.
Mhlaba admitted that if those teams won, the gap would narrow, but with games in hand, he remains confident. “I am comfortable. We have played 13 games, and today was the 14th, while other teams are already on their 17th. If I win all the games we have in hand, I will rise to first place.”
He said that if any of the top three teams make a mistake, he will surpass them. “My target is to win all games, especially against the teams that are at the top of the log. We want to have a taste of Hollywoodbets and see what it is like on the other side.”
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