Mhlaba FC Coach Ndabezinhle Mhlaba said his players will have to sharpen their fitness levels if they hope to collect maximum points in their upcoming ANLFA Promotional League fixture.

The call comes after the team’s disappointing 1-4 defeat to log leaders Raiders FC late last month.

Reflecting on the heavy loss, Mhlaba admitted the result exposed serious shortcomings in his side’s ability to transition quickly between attack and defence. “We will have to work on our fitness. We were not fit enough,” Mhlaba said.

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“When you attack as a defender, you need to attack and then go back quickly.”

Mhlaba confirmed what many spectators in their previous clash witnessed, noting that their aggressive approach to securing an equaliser, while promising, left them vulnerable. The players struggled to regain their defensive shape after losing possession, and fatigue set in early due to the high intensity of the match.

While the Raiders capitalised on the spaces, Mhlaba believes the defeat was more self-inflicted than a result of the opponents’ superiority. However, owing to the Raiders’ historic dominance over Mhlaba, including a 0-7 defeat in February, some might beg to differ.

Now, having had nearly two weeks to prepare, the team has zeroed in on improving their fitness and defensive recovery. The side will put their progress to the test when they face Johannesburg Rovers Academy on June 13.

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Historically, the Alex-based outfit has dominated Rovers Academy, a trend that gives Mhlaba FC confidence of securing a positive result. A victory could help them reclaim fifth position on the log, a spot currently occupied by Western Boys FC.

Both teams are tied on 43 points, but Western Boys sit on a superior goal difference of 27 compared to Mhlaba FC’s 19.

Western Boys, however, face a tricky assignment against Alex Royal Tigers FC, a side that has beaten them three times since February 2025. A fourth defeat for Western Boys would hand Mhlaba FC a golden opportunity to climb the table and to wrap up the league’s 2025/26 season in fifth place, just as they did in the previous season.

Now, as their next fixture approaches, Mhlaba FC will be hoping to turn the pain of their previous defeat into their motivation to return to their winning ways against Rovers Academy.

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