Neighbouring teams’ friendly match prepares them for play-offs
It may have been a friendly match, but competitors Khensane FC and Atlanta FC are using the experience gained to one-up the competition in the Safa Leaugue play-offs.
A friendly encounter in preparation for the South African Football Association (Safa) Tshwane League playoffs in the u.17 division between Khensane FC and Atlanta FC was more than just a warm-up. The teams played hard, but had to be satisfied with a draw last Sunday afternoon at the Giant stadium.
The game was intense, with both teams intent on winning. There were many opportunities to score, but both teams squandered their chances. The second half started with both teams again showing an eagerness to score, and in the last minutes of the game, Atlanta FC were rewarded with a goal courtesy of Kagiso Sithole.
Atlanta were unable to sustain their lead for long, however, and Neo Maleka scored a cracker to equalise for Khensane FC. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. Both teams performed well in their local leagues and have earned themselves the opportunity to gain a position in the Safa Tshwane League.
Khensane FC is from the Soshanguve District Football Association and FC Atlanta is from the Mabopane Local Football Association. Because of this, both teams thought it better to make the match a friendly game, and they prepared as neighbouring teams for the playoffs that are to be held in Mamelodi.
“Today’s match was crucial to us because we have to be ready when we go to Mamelodi. We have to ensure that as a team we are fit, both physically and mentally, or else we will not do well in the play-offs. My boys played well today, but I think we could have done better. I hope and believe that today’s friendly encounter prepared us for the play-offs and beyond,” said Philemon Mathonsi, Khensane FC coach.
He added, however, that he was concerned about two of his key players after they sustained injuries during the match and how this could affect his team negatively.
“This friendly gave me an opportunity to test my new players and also to boost my boys’ spirits. We know it was a friendly match, but to us it was a preparatory match and a training session for the real thing,” said Bradly Shonhai, FC Atlanta coach.
Both teams felt that the friendly match helped them to prepare, not only for the playoffs but for the Safa Tshwane League itself. Their hopes are high, although they do acknowledge the challenge that lies ahead.
