Four-goal cushion not enough as LRC FC coach stresses goal difference
LRC FC secure the win against Silver Hawks FC by 6–2, but LRC FC coach Bandile Thindleni reminds his team that every strike counts in the league.
When Love Reaching Community (LRC) FC took to the field on July 5 in an U15 Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association (ANFLA) league clash against Silver Hawks FC, they knew they had to score as many goals as possible.
Although they managed to beat Silver Hawks 6–2, LRC coach Bandile Thindleni said his side had more chances to score.
For him, it wasn’t only about winning; it was about how they won and by how many goals. He knew that, by the end of the season, goal difference might be the only thing that gave his team an edge over their opponents.
Read more: Despite 3–1 win, Gunners’ coach demands more from his boys
“If we don’t score, and next week we play a difficult game, that will affect us at the end of the league.
“When the game is flowing, do simple things. Keep the ball, play it around, keep your shape, and score as many goals as you can.”
His boys took on Silver Hawks with the determination of a team that knew this was everybody’s game. Thindleni said he warned his side not to undermine or underestimate their opponents.
“Each and every game, you play it as if you are playing your final game. You are not sure who is watching you outside.”
His side conceded two, but that didn’t take away from their impressive four-goal cushion. “We left a lot of spaces in between players. When you defend, you need to be compact.”
He added that they were also late in terms of recovery when they lost possession. These are issues he plans to fix in training.
Also read: Run Alex 10km race powers holiday programme
“As a team, conceding takes us back, but going forward, they will be good. They need to understand shape, how we move, and how we defend. There are principles of defending and principles of attacking, so they need to know all those things.”
Meanwhile, Silver Hawks FC coach Sibusiso Mlambo believed his side had the game, and was disappointed that his boys let it slip. He said his midfield struggled, marked by poor defensive play.
“I also need to teach my goalkeeper how to communicate with the players. He is the one who must see the mistakes, because, when he doesn’t, that creates problems for him.”
He added that although his team is fast-paced, they need to work on accuracy. “Our backline fought hard, but our engine, the midfield, was not good.”
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
