Super-sub Josh’s strike wins Randburg FC crucial points

Randburg Football Club U15 leads the Johannesburg Academy League (JAL) log standings by one point after a narrow 1–0 victory at home over School of Excellence.

Despite the paucity of goals from either club, supporters were treated to some magnificent ‘tiki-taka’ football from both teams. Randburg did not fear the School of Excellence, which is known for producing very gifted players. The home team did not hold back as they worked extra hard to get all three points.

The first 45 minutes started in high gear as the home team initiated the high pressure looking to minimise spaces for the visitors. They created goal-scoring chances but were not as clinical on goals. A frustrated School of Excellence side kept trying to build from the back and circulating the ball but struggled to advance to the home-side half and penetrate their defence.

The visitors made two substitutions before half-time in an attempt to tweak their game strategy and become more dangerous moving forward.

James Mabena, School of Excellence coach said that his boys should have done much better but their attitude was their biggest enemy.

“The boys don’t seem to believe and we beat ourselves because our boys can play. When we are not in possession of the ball –that is where we suffer; we need to work twice as hard when we don’t have the ball.”

Randburg FC made two substitutions in the second half, adding intensity in front with the introduction of Josh Bermen. He promptly made his presence known by finding the back of the net to seal the victory for the home side.

The visitors sleeping giant was roused by the goal. They began to play more direct and into the Randburg half, creating good chances, but Junoir Simelani’s saves ensured that all the points remained at home.

Randburg coach Gary de Bruin said that their pressing was good and they dominated the game from start to finish.

“The changes made a huge difference. I needed a goal and I put on the striker. We were creating chances but could not score. The boys stuck in the game plan and that’s what we needed.”

He added that they will work even harder going to the next match.

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