An intense game in the Eastern Local Football Association League on August 23 between Springs Premier U17 and Alberton Football Club ended in a 1-1 draw at Veritas College Sports Ground.

In the first half, Springs Premier’s Nahum Sibanda scored the opening goal to put his team in the lead at the break.

Alberton were reduced to 10 players in the second half after receiving a red card for a tackle. However, a goal from Rockie Lekola lifted the team’s spirits and brought Alberton back into the game.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, Springs Premier coach Simon Mabetwa believes his side missed an opportunity to secure all three points after failing to stick to the game plan that had worked in the first half.

“We messed up by not sticking to our game plan of the first half, where we were sharing the ball going forward. Instead, we took the posture of playing long balls and that is not our strength,” he said.

Mabetwa felt his team had enough opportunities to win the match, including three clear chances and a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper.

The coach made two changes in the second half, including replacing a midfielder to match Alberton’s physical strength.

Alberton’s equalising goal followed the changes, but Mabetwa remained positive about the improvement shown by his players.

“Our performance today was much better as compared to all other games. That’s what we have been preaching about. I don’t mind the result. As the coach, I want to see the improvement as a team and as individuals. That’s what I have seen,” he said.

Alberton coach Anthony Mojapelo praised his players for showing character and fighting back after going a goal down and being reduced to 10 men.

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Following the red card, Mojapelo adjusted his formation by sacrificing a winger and adding another player to the midfield.

“Unfortunately, we got the red card. So after the red card we were able to sacrifice one winger and put him in midfield so that they could be able to rotate those balls in there,” he said.

The coach believes the tactical changes could have helped Alberton secure a win had the red card not disrupted their plans.

“The one thing that destabilises is the red card. Other than that, I felt like my boys had most of the ball. They had the most control over it,” he said.

The coach also acknowledged the impact of the heat, saying his players began to tire during the final 20 minutes. Despite going a player and a goal down, Mojapelo was pleased with the character his players showed.

“Going a man down and also a goal down, sometimes it messes with your head. So they were able to come together, pull together and get a point for us. It is one thing that I will take from it. The character of the boys was actually good,” he said.

Looking ahead to their next match, Mojapelo said Alberton would focus on improving their attacking play and midfield structure.

“We did not have many shots on target. So this week we are going to be working towards that final third, that creation, fixing the midfield a little bit,” he said.

With the season nearing its end, Mabetwa said there would be no major changes, with the focus remaining on building on the players’ progress.

“We just have to push whatever we have, the last energy, just to get the positive result from the two games,” he concluded.

Weekend results:

• U11L4: Springs Premier 1-5 Ekurhuleni United
• U19 Colts: Luso Africa 5-0 Springs Premier
• U7L4: Springs Premier 1-0 Absalom Tete
• U8L3: Sunward Park 2-2 Springs Premier
• U9L2: Springs Premier 2-1 SCBI
• U10L2: Springs Premier 0-1 Benoni Spurs
• U11L1: Rovers 1-0 Springs Premier
• U11L4: Origin 5-3 Springs Premier
• U12L3: Old Bens 3-2 Springs Premier
• U13L5(A): Springs Premier Wolves 3-3 Footballing Stars
• U13L5(B): Springs Premier Hawks 5-1 Olympia
• U13L5: Flamingo 0-5 Springs Premier
• U19 Colts: Springs Premier 1-9 Luso Africa