Dream Big Kid U8s takes loss against Highlands Park FC
Dream Big Kid’s U8s showed early promise but couldn’t hold off Highlands Park, falling 1–4 in a tough clash that exposed defensive gaps and left their coach vowing to rebuild and regroup for the games ahead.
A promising start ended in an unfortunate 1–4 loss for Dream Big Kid (DBK) in an U8 junior football game.
DBK came from a promising start to a crippling defence, as Highlands Park FC’s U8 junior football team defeated them at Highlands Park Football Club on July 5.
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DBK coach Nkosikhona Maphumulo said his team started playing very well, looking capable of getting a win, before the the match took a shift.
“I’m happy about the first 10 minutes, but then we had to make subs. That’s when I think our problems started.”
He stated that his team’s defensive strategy lost its structure, giving Highlands Park an advantage to catch up. “Our keeper was not ready for his first shot, and then our defence just dismantled.”
He added that the team could not execute the plays he gave them in the second half. “We did not play as a team. We were supposed to use the sides to support the strikers, and the strikers to support the wingers, but it didn’t go according to plan.”
Although let down by the result, Maphumulo complimented Highlands Park for taking full advantage of the opportunities available and securing the win.
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“Our opponents played well. Congratulations to them. They took their chances, they had confidence, and they played on the attacking half.”
Maphumulo said his team will continue working on its performance ahead of the upcoming games. “We’re going back to the drawing board, because we are young. We’re giving it time.”
Loyiso Mkutu, Highlands Park coach, said, despite the win, his team did not perform well at the start of the game, but got better as it continued.
“We started a bit slow in the first half. Maybe we didn’t warm up enough or it was the weather conditions.”
He noted that he is happy that they took the win, and that they’ll keep working harder. “We should be doing better. There is always room for improvement.”
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